Anima- The quickest and easiest way to access GP appointments!
On 1st April 2025 Sandgate Road Surgery will be introducing the online consultation system Anima to help improve patients access to GP appointments and avoid the need for patients to call at 08:00am each morning. We would encourage all patients who are able to submit an online Anima consultation to use this system
How Does Anima Work?
You can complete an Anima online request via the practice website. Patients can access Anima with or without an account. However, if you do create and account this will allow you to log in when you wish to see the status of any request you have made, book appointments and contact the practice.
1. Submit Your Online Consultation.
Complete a request using the Anima website here.
Watch this video for information on how to use Anima (LINK TO YOUTUBE)
You can submit requests for a variety of medical and administrative queries.
If you want to request a GP appointment please select the option “I want help with a medical issue”.
2. How We Deal With Your Request.
All clinical requests are reviewed by a GP within 48 hours. Response times will vary dependant on the urgency of your request, but most requests will be responded to the same day they are submitted.
If the GP feels your request is urgent they may call you soon after you submit your enquiry. Please ensure that you answer your phone to any withheld numbers whilst you are awaiting a response from us. The GP will attempt to call you twice. If their calls go unanswered then you will need to submit another request.
When to use Anima
Anima can be used to submit any non urgent clinical issues you would like a GP appointment or advice on. In addition you can also submit Anima request for a range of prescription and administration enquiries including the following:
- Medication queries
- Requests for sick / fit notes
- Submit home blood pressure readings
- Vaccination enquiries
- Test results
- Administrative queries
- Request or Update on medical reports and other non-NHS work
If you wish to book a nurse appointment or request a home visit please call the practice on 01303 851241.
FAQs
When can you access Anima?
Anima will be available 7.30am to 4pm Monday to Friday.
Why Is Anima closed?
There may be occasions that patient demand for a GP appointment outweighs the safe capacity we can provide. On these days, we may need to turn Anima off earlier than normal. If this does happen and you feel your enquiry is urgent please call our reception team on 01303 851241 who will be happy to help.
How soon will I hear back?
All clinical requests are reviewed by a GP within 48 hours. Response times will vary dependant on the urgency of your request, but most requests will be responded to the same day they are submitted.
You can check the status of your query via your Anima dashboard.
What happens if I can’t access the internet or don’t feel confident using it?
If you call our reception team they will be happy to talk you through the process and if needed complete the Anima consultation for you. We also have an i-Pad in our reception area that patients are able to use to complete an Anima consultation.
Why have we changed to Anima?
The practice has introduced Anima to enable us to adopt a total triage system that will improve patient access to GP appointments and avoid the “8 am rush” that has become a problem for many patients. Practice have been encouraged to adopt this approach by NHS England and also recent changes in the GP contract. We feel the introduction of Anima will help us to ensure that patients are seen by the appropriate Clinician in the right place and at the right time.
Can I use Anima to request a repeat prescription?
No. Please use the NHS app to request your repeat prescriptions or complete a written request and give to our receptionist.
Can I book nurse appointments through Anima?
Not at this time, but we do intend in making nurse appointments available later in 2025.