GP surgery in Newport denies routine appointments for a week

Isca Medical Centre, who mainly treats those living in both Caerleon and Ponthir, have announced that the practice is only able to offer same day care from Thursday, August 29 until September 5.

Due to the surgery updating their 20-year-old computer systems, they will be "unable to deal with routine queries and repeat prescription requests."

The surgery is changing their IT to a newer, streamlined system in line with Digital Health and Care Wales standards.

While this is happening, staff will not have access to medical records for patients.

An official statement from the practice says: “We are changing our clinical IT systems between the dates of August 29 and September 5, 2024.

“This change is highly disruptive to patients, staff and the service we can provide.

“Therefore, the practice will be unable to deal with any routine queries and repeat prescription requests at this time.

“We can only accommodate urgent appointments, for urgent problems that cannot wait.

“We apologise in advance for any inconvenience this may cause and thank you for your cooperation.

Routine appointments are used for general health queries, diagnoses, and the monitoring of conditions.

A spokesperson for the surgery said: "Our patients have been fantastic in preparing for this disruption; they have got their prescription requests in months in advance."

"The staff in our practice have also been amazing in preparing for this big change.

"These changes will benefit patients as we will have quicker access to medical records, in line with DHCW standards."

The surgery would like to thank staff and patients at this time for their support and understanding.

For anyone experiencing issues such as rashes on your skin, sore throat and back pain, could go to the pharmacy to be dealt with a pharmacist instead, as part of NHS Wales’ Common Ailment Scheme.

The scheme covers free treatment for over 26 different health issues.

If you have a medical emergency, please call 999.