A GP surgery has had to stop booking same day appointments as numbers are “unsafe for patients and unsafe for doctors”.

The Colne Practice, in Uxbridge Road, Rickmansworth, told patients via a text message that receptionists have been asked to stop booking in patients for "on the day" appointments.

It has since clarified that the duty doctor will instead be sent a message about individual cases so they can decide whether to call the patient, see them in person at the surgery, or not contact them at all on the day.

The message said: “Dear patient, we have always tried to make sure that patients with urgent need are seen on the day.

"Unfortunately, due to significantly increased demand and medical staff sickness, we now find that the number of patients wishing to be seen 'on the day' is reaching unsafe limits. Unsafe for the patients and unsafe for the doctors.

“Regrettably we find that sometimes we have to ask reception to stop booking patients. Please bear with us during this difficult time.”

The practice added patients in need of same day care can still access help at Watford General Hospital’s Urgent Treatment Centre.

Helen Gill is one of the patients who received the message. She said: “I think it is a good surgery and they try their best to meet the needs of their patients but I am concerned for those who may not get seen especially, now when they are more vulnerable due to the energy crisis.

“This close to Christmas I think it is very worrying for vulnerable patients to not be able to secure an appointment."

A spokesperson for the practice said: “At the Colne Practice we are proud of the access we have for our patients, those with urgent needs are always seen on the day.

“In the current climate, with rising numbers of unwell children and concerns about strep A, we are finding it impossible to continue adding patients to the end of already full, long clinics."

The practice confirmed it will still be possible to get an emergency appointment if the duty doctor deems it necessary and sick children will always be seen on the day.

“We will continue to give the best service possible," the spokesperson added.

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