To cut down the amount of time patients have to wait for an appointment and to better target precious resources whilst ensuring patient safety Pocklington Group Practice will launch a new system from June 2023. However, the current online messaging and online consultations availability will change in April.
Why are we changing?
- It’s accessible – No app to download and no log in required
- It’s quick – With a short and simple set of questions, your message gets to the right member of staff quickly
- It’s easy – Patient feedback suggests over 80% of patients find the service ‘easy’ or ‘very easy’ to use
- It’s versatile – Where appropriate, you can attach an image to your request to you can receive the highest quality advice.
From 3rd April patients will be able to ask for help with a medical issue, ask about test results, re-order medication, and request online advice via the practice website.
If you have the NHS App you will also be directed to the website from the App. Once you have clicked on whichever service you require you will see a simple online form which will ask for information about your problem, symptoms and when the surgery can contact you. The form will be seen by a medical professional within 2 working days. You will receive a response via text (SMS) which could include advice or the ability to respond by selecting an appointment slot.
You’ll remember that texting was used extensively to communicate about flu clinics. You will still be able to telephone or walk into the practice and speak to a receptionist. The website access is additional to these services but the current online messaging and online triaging will be switched off. Patients are also asked not to email the practice directly with clinical requests.
If you would like to take a look at the new service before we go live, please watch this video, created by the developers, demonstrating the patient experience.
As always urgent requests for medical assistance should be made to 999, 101 or the surgery in person or on the phone. The system is not yet live but when it is this is what you will see when you access the site.
