Member Article

New campaign to promote GP online access for patients

A campaign has been launched across the North East and Cumbria to encourage more patients to access their local GP practice services via their phone, tablet and computer.

Latest data shows that 24% of patients across the North East and Cumbria use GP online services to book appointments, order repeat prescriptions and see their test results and GP record.

The campaign, led by the Great North Care Record, which promotes the sharing of medical information with authorised health and social care practitioners across the region, is aiming to increase those online figures.

Some patients find accessing these transactional services easier than ringing their surgery or visiting in person - freeing up more time in GP practices by reducing routine phone calls and patient visits for people who need their help in other ways. This can really help the NHS during the busy winter.

Nationally 14.6 million people are signed up to use GP online services, with over a million online GP appointments being booked and 2.6 million repeat prescriptions being ordered every month.

Dr Mark Dornan, GP at Teams Medical Practice, Gateshead and chair of Newcastle Gateshead Clinical Commissioning Group, adds: “Being able to order repeat prescriptions online over the Christmas period means that patients can make sure they have enough medication, see test results and book appointments even when their surgery is closed. We know some patients end up attending local A&E or out of hours services because they have run out of medication and we know this prevents that happening.

“We need to move the NHS into the digital age – so that for the people who want to use online services, they can have the convenience, and free up space, for those who are less able to use digital technology.”

7 things to know about GP online Services

Most other industries offer online services, whether that’s banking, holiday companies or online shopping. But did you know you can access some NHS services online?

Lots of services that we get from GP practices are transactional and straight forward and can be completed online. Currently around 24% of people living in the North East and Cumbria have registered.

Here’s what to know:

1. If you’re on repeat prescriptions, you can order them easily online from the comfort of your own home - especially over the Christmas break with the additional bank holidays.
2. You can access and read basic information such as medications and test results recorded in your GP record.
3. Many GP practices have allowed patients to manage their appointments, so you can book, change or cancel them online.
4. Using online services helps reduce the number of incoming phone calls, meaning that if you have a more urgent issue, you can get through more easily.
5. You can register quickly and easily, just ask at your GP practice how to register.
6. Patients often feel more empowered to ask questions about their health when they have access to information recorded about them.
7. If you care for someone, you can also get access to their record.

To find out more, visit the NHS website or ask your GP practice.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Sarah Banks .