© Hastings & Rother Healthcare 2026
As part of our ongoing commitment to improving patient experience and enhancing access to our services, we are introducing Rapid Health.
This approach is designed to help patients get the right care first time by ensuring requests are directed to the most appropriate member of the team as quickly as possible. It is expected to improve access to services, reduce waiting times for urgent concerns and improve the overall patient experience.
The information you provide helps us understand your needs and ensure your request is directed to the most appropriate clinician or service.
It also gives clinicians relevant information in advance, helping them provide safe and effective care and ensuring patients receive the right outcome as quickly as possible.
We encourage patients to ensure their contact details, including their email address, are up to date.
Patients who have consented to receive text messages may receive a message asking them to check and update their contact details. This can be done through the NHS App or by contacting the surgery.
You can still access our services. If you do not have an email address or are unable to use online services, please contact the surgery by telephone or visit us in person. A member of the team can submit a Rapid Health request on your behalf.
From 22 June 2026, Rapid Health will be available during our core opening hours:
Monday to Friday, 8.00am – 6.30pm (excluding bank holidays).
You can access Rapid Health through our website.
Complete the questionnaire and submit your request. Depending on your needs, you may receive advice, be directed to another service, have your request reviewed by a clinician, or be offered an appointment where clinically appropriate.
If you cannot access the internet, please contact the surgery and a member of staff can complete the questionnaire on your behalf.
Our clinical team includes GPs, Advanced Clinical Practitioners, Pharmacists, Physiotherapists and other healthcare professionals.
You may be offered an appointment with the clinician best placed to help with your concern, ensuring you receive the right care from the right professional.
Where appropriate and subject to availability, you may be able to select a preferred clinician when offered an appointment.
We will always try to support continuity of care where possible, but this cannot be guaranteed.
Where an appointment is appropriate, Rapid Health can offer appointments both on the day and in advance.
Appointments will be offered within a timeframe that reflects your clinical need.
Not all requests will result in an appointment.
If an appointment is not immediately offered, your request will still be reviewed and you will receive the most appropriate outcome based on your clinical needs. This may include advice, signposting, clinician review, or contact from the practice team.
Requests for children under 16 can be submitted through Rapid Health in the usual way.
These requests will be reviewed by the clinical team and the most appropriate outcome will be provided based on the child’s needs.
If you require an interpreter or additional support, please let us know as soon as possible.
If you are offered an appointment, your confirmation message will explain how to contact the surgery to arrange any assistance you may need.
For a new fit note:
Please submit a medical request through Rapid Health. If a clinician needs to assess you before issuing a fit note, you will be advised of the next steps.
To extend an existing fit note:
You can submit a fit note extension request through Rapid Health. If a clinical review is required before it can be issued, we will contact you.
Yes. You can continue to use the NHS App to access medical records, test results and prescriptions.
Rapid Health will also be accessible through the NHS App.
No.
Patients who contact the surgery by telephone or in person will receive the same access to services. The main advantage of using Rapid Health is that it can be quicker and avoids waiting in telephone queues.
Yes. Administrative forms and documents available on the practice website will remain available.
Rapid Health should be used for medical requests and clinical enquiries.
Prescription requests should continue to be made through the NHS App, your usual pharmacy, or other existing prescription ordering methods.
Rapid Health can also be used for some medication-related administrative requests where appropriate.
The new Rapid system will replace Engage on 22nd June to avoid confusion and duplication.
© Hastings & Rother Healthcare 2026
