Every general practice in Lancashire and South Cumbria can offer patients video consultations after a programme to introduce the technology was accelerated in response to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
A number of practices had already started to offer video calls before the outbreak and the technology has since been rapidly rolled out. Most GP practices in Lancashire and South Cumbria are now doing video consultations with patients and all have the technology to offer them in the future.
The technology helps patients to continue to access general practice services remotely while they are social distancing unless a face-to-face appointment is necessary.
Benefits of video appointments include minimising travel, supporting isolated communities and reducing the spread of infection.
Declan Hadley, Digital Lead for Lancashire and South Cumbria Integrated Care System said:
“As many people are becoming more confident with using video calls to chat with friends and family, this service has really taken off in primary care too.
“The number of video appointments has risen each month since the social distancing guidelines. Across Lancashire and South Cumbria, this has grown from 168 in February to 3,988 in March and up to 11,410 in April.
“Safe and secure video consultations are an important way for the NHS to ensure that it is still there for the people that need it during the coronavirus pandemic. The many benefits for patients in terms of convenience and reduced travel that mean video consultations will continue to be there as an option for them in the future too.”
Local people are encouraged to download the MyGP app to enable secure video consultations with their practice. Patients must use the mobile number that their GP practice has recorded for them to access the video consultation. The app also allows patients to book or cancel appointments, order repeat prescriptions, manage medicine alerts and track their health.
Dr Tim Reynard, local GP and Joint Chief Clinical Information Officer Morecambe Bay Clinical Commissioning Group said: “The roll-out of online and video consultations has meant that in a click of a button we can share follow on materials and key information to our patients during or after consultations via an app or by text.
“Video consultations have enabled nursing home residents to receive one-to-one virtual consultations with their GP without a face to face visit. This technology not only reduces the risk of infection for patients and staff it also saves significant commute time for GPs which can be used to instead treat more patients.”
Dr Shashidhar Khandavalli, local GP and Clinical Director for Chorley Central Primary Care Network said: “Video consultations are revolutionising the way we work. Now, we can have instant consultations with our patients, set up group calls with care home residents and share leaflets and videos to provide advice and information about health conditions in moments.
“The use of remote consultations is not only protecting patients and staff from the risk of infection during the coronavirus pandemic, it’s also enabling patients and indeed clinicians to fit appointments more easily around their home and work commitments.”
Case study
John Graham, from West Lancashire, recently took part in a group asthma video consultation with a nurse:
John said: “I found this to be really useful and I see this as a positive way forward for the future. I was joined by another patient and we both agreed there were no issues around us both being present.
“When we move away from lock down, I would be happy to continue with this process as it means I am not having to leave work or schedule time away.
“If you have reservations the surgery is still happy to have single face-to-face meetings but for me, it’s the future and it also gives me an insight into other people’s asthma management.”
Remember that:
- If you have any symptoms that you are concerned about contact your GP practice either online, by an app or by phone to be triaged. You will receive advice through video consultation or over the phone and if you need a face to face appointment you will be advised how to book one.
- If you need urgent medical help, use the NHS 111 online service. If you cannot get help online, call 111. If it is a serious or life-threatening emergency, call 999.
For more information about our work on digital health, visit https://healthierlsc.co.uk/DigitalFuture
