OKEHAMPTON Medical Centre is changing how patients can call into the centre to book appointments.

From next month, the centre will be introducing a new 24-hour automated telephone appointment booking system.

Kiran Bakhshi, practice manager, said: ‘From March we will be introducing a new automated telephone appointment booking system. Available 24 hours a day, patients will be able to book, check, change or cancel an appointment simply by calling the usual surgery number 01837 52233 and following the prompts.

‘You simply need your date of birth and your telephone number to use the system. Options of speaking to reception and online booking via patient access will still be available.

‘If most people use the automated system, it effectively gives the practice the equivalent of four extra phone lines. This will help to reduce delays at peak times and will free receptionists to see patients attending the practice more quickly.’