A GP practice is Leiston has announced it will be changing its appointment system in an effort to reduce waiting times.

Leiston Surgery has trained receptionist staff as ‘Care Navigators’ who will ask patients a few questions about the reason for their call before directing them to the appropriate medical professional.

The new system will be introduced from Monday, April 16.

Practice Manager Sarah McLennan said: “Care navigation is commonplace across many surgeries in the UK – including others here in Suffolk. It has been designed by doctors and other clinical staff to ensure that patients are always seen by the right healthcare professional to meet their needs.

“By drawing on the skillset of our wider clinical team it means patients can always be assured of seeing the right person at the right time. Meanwhile GPs can spend a greater amount of time with the patients who need them most.”