Why We Ask You to Discuss One Problem Per Appointment

One Problem Per Appointment: helping us give you the safest, best care

At Hazelvalley Family Practice, our priority is to provide safe, effective and high-quality care for every patient. One way we can do that is by keeping each GP appointment focused—which is why we usually ask patients to discuss one main problem per standard appointment.

We know this might feel frustrating at times, especially when you’ve been waiting to be seen or you’ve got a few things on your mind. This approach isn’t about being strict or unhelpful—it’s about making sure we have enough time to do things properly, safely, and with your full involvement.

Why do we ask for one problem?

A standard GP appointment is usually 10 minutes. In that time, your GP needs to:

Listen carefully and understand what’s been happening
Ask the right questions and take a full medical history
Examine you if needed
Consider possible causes and decide what needs ruling out
Discuss options with you and agree on the best next steps
Arrange prescriptions, tests, referrals or follow-up where appropriate
Document your consultation clearly and safely

When we try to cover several unrelated issues in a single short appointment, it becomes harder to address any of them thoroughly. That can mean important details are missed, decisions feel rushed, or there isn’t time to explain things properly—none of which is in your best interests.

Focusing on one main issue helps your GP give you the time and attention you deserve.

Is it a strict rule?

It’s not a strict rule, but it is our general approach to support safe and effective care.

If there is time at the end of your appointment—and your GP feels it’s safe and appropriate—they may be able to address an additional concern. However, this won’t always be possible, particularly if your main problem needs careful assessment.

What if my problems might be linked?

Sometimes symptoms that seem separate can be connected (for example, tiredness, poor sleep and low mood). Your GP will always use clinical judgement to explore what’s relevant and make sure linked concerns aren’t overlooked.

This policy is mainly about multiple unrelated problems (for example: a skin rash, knee pain and a medication query all at once). If your symptoms stem from the same underlying issue, we will address them during a single clinical assessment.

What if I need more time?

Some appointments genuinely need longer—for example:

Mental health support
Multiple long-term conditions
Complex medication reviews
Several symptoms that need careful assessment
Carer support, safeguarding issues, or significant life changes

If you think you’ll need more time, please let us know at the time of booking. Where appropriate, we may be able to arrange a double appointment or guide you to the most suitable clinician or service.

Why are we doing this now?

This approach supports safer consultations and fairer access for everyone. By keeping appointments focused:

your GP can assess your problem more thoroughly
you’re less likely to feel rushed or unheard
important details are less likely to be missed
We can manage appointment time more fairly across all patients

Cookies on the Hazelvalley Family Practice website