In Newcastle and Castlewellan, patients of the Donard Group Practice face an urgent problem with appointment scheduling. Being told that you must contact the practice before 10am to secure an appointment is not only inconvenient but also unrealistic for many people in our community who have diverse commitments and responsibilities.

The current system means that patients often struggle to get through due to the high volume of calls during the short window. This leads to delays in accessing the medical care that we need and deserve. For some, this can exacerbate existing health issues, which undermines the very purpose of our healthcare system to provide timely and effective care to all.

In many other practices, options such as online booking systems, extended phone hours, or even staggered appointment scheduling have proven effective. Implementing similar solutions at Donard Group Practice could make a significant difference, making healthcare more accessible to everyone, irrespective of their daily schedule or commitments.

It's time for change. By revising the appointment scheduling system, the practice can better ensure that everyone has fair and timely access to medical appointments.

Support us to urge Donard Group Practice to revise their appointment scheduling system for a more flexible, patient-friendly approach. Please sign the petition and help make healthcare access efficient and fair for all in Newcastle and Castlewellan.