A Forfar GP has shared his vision for a practice in the town to open later this year.
A survey has been conducted to help NHS Tayside shape the practice on Academy Street.
Dr Nico Grunenberg said feedback confirmed what patients value most is access to a healthcare professional when they require it urgently and continuity of care, particularly when they have long-term conditions or an ongoing acute illness.
He said: “We hope to develop small teams within the new practice consisting of key healthcare staff, including GPs and nurses, which will allow patients to have a limited number of professionals involved in their care.
“This should provide suitable access as well as continuity of care to be delivered with a patient-centred focus.
“We would appreciate any thoughts patients have regarding any other professionals that could be included in these teams to improve care now or in the future. Our patients tell us that they want to manage their own health and we are keen to work with patients as active partners in their care and we hope the relationships formed in the small teams will support that to happen.”
Dr Grunenberg said there were plans to change the way patients access services in the practice.
He continued: “In future, when a patient calls the surgery, they will talk to one of their team to discuss their needs.
“In the event that a suitable person is not available to talk to the patient, a return call would be made within an agreed time period.
“This approach should allow us to manage some issues by phone, but more importantly, allows us to plan visits, allocate appropriate time for appointments and reduce unnecessary trips to the surgery.
“For example, if a patient is due a review of their long-term conditions, a longer appointment may be arranged to allow any current problem and the review to be done at the same time.”
The practices recently asked patients to suggest a name for the new surgery.
Anyone registered with either of the practices who has any comments or suggestions, is asked to contact the practice manager of either practice or email forfarmerger.tayside@nhs.net.