News

Patient Need Groups

You may notice a test result appear in your NHS app (Johns Hopkins adjusted clinical groups system score) referring to patient need groups or risk stratification.

What are Patient Need Groups?

Patient Need Groups (PNGs) are a way for doctors and nurses to understand what kind of healthcare you might need. PNGs consider information such as your previous healthcare history and how often you need to go to the doctor or hospital. 

How do PNGs work? 

•       Everyone is different. Some people are very healthy, some have one or two health problems, and some have many health problems 

•       The PNG system puts people into 11 different groups based on how much care and support they are likely to need 

•       Your group can change if your health changes 

 

What are the different Patient Need Groups? 

•       Green (PNG 1–4):   

You are healthy or only need a little help. You might just need regular check-ups and advice on staying healthy. 

•       Amber (PNG 5–9):  

You have some health needs. This group includes people with mental health issues or who are pregnant. You might need some help from your care team to manage your health. 

•       Red (PNG 10–11):  

You have more complex health needs or issues with mobility. You may need more help and regular support from your care team. 

Why is this important? 

•       This tool helps your care team give you the right care for your needs  

•       It helps you and your care team work together to keep you as healthy as possible  

Remember: 

We understand that some people may be surprised by their PNG and find the information worrying. Please note PNGs are allocated automatically based on information in your health record and have not been inputted individually by your doctor. PNGs are a tool that doctors and nurses use alongside their medical knowledge to make decisions about the best care for your health.

This PNG number does not reflect any changes in your health status. It is a simple guide for practices to provide more proactive care and you need not worry or take any action. If, however, you have questions please don’t hesitate to ask your doctor more about this at your next appointment. 

 

Published on 19th Mar 2026

Important Update: Changes to our Online Appointment System

From the 1^st October our online econsult system will be open between 8am and 6.30pm for all non-urgent appointment requests, medication queries and admin requests.

Please be aware that online consultation requests can take up to 72 hours to be reviewed by a clinician.

These forms are not suitable for urgent or emergency issues.

To ensure your request is dealt with promptly and safely:

• ·         For urgent medical concerns, please call the surgery directly.
• ·         In an emergency, dial 999 immediately.

Using the correct route helps us prioritise care appropriately and avoid delays in your treatment.

How Econsult Works

New econsult Appointment Times

• Monday to Friday: 8am to 6.30pm

Econsult Submission:

• Patients can complete the econsult form online.
• If you are unable to complete the form online, our reception team can assist you over the phone. 

Triage Process:

• Each econsult submission provides detailed information, allowing our clinicians to make fair and accurate decisions based on clinical need.
• You will be informed of when you will hear back from us, based on clinical urgency. 

Post-Triage Contact:

After triage, you will be contacted with the appropriate appointment or advice. This could include:

• Same-day appointment with a GP or Nurse Practitioner
• Routine pre-booked appointment with a GP or Nurse Practitioner
• Referral to the UTC/Walk-in Centre at RVH
• Referral to a pharmacy under 'Pharmacy First'
• Appointment with a physiotherapist, social prescriber or other allied health professionals
• Advice from a clinician via text or email 

Published on 1st Oct 2025