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Vel Surgery
FacebookOur New Appointment System
We want to ensure that our patients have access to the best possible care, consulting with the right clinician at the right time and constantly improving our patients’ experience. To help achieve this, GP Practices are encouraged to use new technology provided to practices all over the country by the NHS.
Our doctors already carry out regular clinical triage, assessing patient requests to decide how to be best deal with their needs.
From 3rd June 2026 we will introduce a system called Anima to support a triage system for all GP appointment requests. Using the same process for all requests, our clinicians will assess and prioritise clinical need safely and fairly to efficiently get patients to the right healthcare professional or service, in the appropriate time frame.
This is a change that is being encouraged by NHS England and many local practices have already moved to this system
Watch a short video about Anima
How will anima work?
From 3rd June 2026 any request for urgent or routine appointments with a doctor will need to be submitted through the online consultation tool available on our website or on the NHS App.
If you are unable to complete the Anima request, please contact reception by phone or in person, who will assist you.
There will be no reduction in the appointments available to patients which will continue to include a mixture of face to face and telephone consultations. You may be directed to another community service if it is appropriate. You may also receive advice and guidance by text message or email and may not need an appointment.
If the problem is considered urgent and needs an appointment that day, you will be telephoned with an appointment time. If it is decided that a routine appointment is needed, you will be sent a booking link by text or email. If we are unable to contact you this way, we will telephone you.
Appointments with a nurse or health care assistant may be booked by telephone or by coming into reception
What can you do to prepare
Please ensure that your mobile number and email address is kept up to date on your record.
Please download and register on the NHS app on your phone. We can assist if needed.
When you are using Anima to complete an online appointment request, please try include as much detail as you can. If your condition isn’t listed in Anima, there is the option of selecting ‘I can’t find my condition’ and putting more information in the free text box.
Published: May 8, 2026