Set up prerequisites
Make sure your organisation has an ODS code, that Spine connectivity is active, and that GP Connect is enabled. Create a new ‘dummy practitioner’ designated as a consulter and an appointment session holder. This practitioner is used solely for NHS111 triage slots.
Create a new slot type
Add a distinct slot type for NHS111 referrals - using a different colour or label (for example, ‘NHS111 Triage’). You can set it as a telephone or video consultation slot, depending on local policy.
Add the Organisation Group
Add the relevant NHS111 providers into an organisation group within Organisation Configuration. This ensures that only these NHS111 providers can access the triage list you assign them.
Build your triage session
Go to the Appointment Book and click ‘Create Session’. Name the session (e.g., ‘NHS111’), set it to Timed Appointments, select the “dummy practitioner” as the session holder, and tick ‘GP Connect Bookable’. Choose the start and finish times covering your practice opening hours, and set a suitable slot duration (e.g., 20 minutes).
Reserve slots for NHS111
Click ‘Apply Filter’. Under ‘Filter Type’, pick ‘Organisation Group’, then enter the name of the NHS111 group. Select the number of slots you want to make available for NHS111, choose ‘Reserve’, and confirm. This locks out other organisations, so only NHS111 can reserve those slots. Finally, highlight your new slots, change them to your dedicated NHS111 slot type, and save the session.
“Having a single triage session reserved for NHS111 use can streamline urgent assessments. This helps your practice prioritise phone and video consultations for patients referred by 111.”
Save as a template (recommended)
If you frequently need these sessions, save them as a template, so you can quickly recreate daily triage lists.
Manage or edit the triage session
To adjust filters, right-click the session header, select ‘Session Properties’, and click ‘Edit Filter’. From there, you can change, remove, or add filters as needed. This flexibility keeps your booked slots visible only to authorised organisations.
