Managing Online Consultations: A Guide for Our Patients

Welcome to some useful advice on how you can make the best use of online consultations (sometimes known as e-consultations) via the form on our website! We are committed to providing you with the highest quality of care and support. As part of our ongoing efforts to ensure that our services remain efficient and effective, we would like to address an important aspect of our online consultations.

The Value and Cost of Online Consultations

Online consultations are a convenient way for you to reach out to us with your health concerns. They allow us to assess and address your needs promptly, often saving you a trip to the practice. However, it's important to remember that every online consultation is reviewed by one of our GPs, which involves both time and resources. These consultations are funded by the NHS, meaning that each submission has a cost to the taxpayer.

Being Mindful with Your Consultations

While we encourage you to use online consultations for genuine health concerns, we kindly ask you to consider a few points before filling out a form:

1. Is there someone else you can ask for advice?
- For minor issues, friends, family, or even a pharmacist might be able to provide you with the guidance you need.

2. Have you tried over-the-counter medications?
- Many common ailments, such as colds, minor aches, and indigestion, can often be treated with medicines available at your local pharmacy. Pharmacists are also qualified to give advice on a wide range of health issues.

3. Is it a medical emergency?
- If you believe your condition is an emergency, please contact emergency services immediately or visit the nearest A&E department.

By considering these points, you help us to ensure that our GPs can focus on patients with the most urgent needs. This helps maintain the quality of care for everyone and ensures that NHS resources are used effectively.

Introducing Our New Care Navigation Chatbot

We are excited to announce that we will soon be implementing a new chatbot feature on our website. This chatbot will assist you with "care navigation," guiding you to the most appropriate local services for your needs. Whether it's finding a nearby pharmacy, scheduling an appointment with a specialist, or providing self-care tips, the chatbot will help streamline your healthcare journey.

How the Chatbot Will Help

- Quick Responses: The chatbot will provide instant responses to common queries, reducing the need for you to fill out an online consultation form for every minor issue.
- Appropriate Referrals: It will help direct you to the right service, whether it's within our practice, at a pharmacy, or another local health service.
- Self-Care Advice: For many minor ailments, the chatbot will offer self-care advice, saving you time and ensuring you get the right help as quickly as possible.

Conclusion

We appreciate your understanding and cooperation in using our online consultation services responsibly. By being mindful of when and how you use these services, you help us to better serve our entire patient community.

Thank you for your continued support.

Best regards,

The GP Practice Team

For further information or assistance, please don't hesitate to contact us through our website or by calling our practice. We are here to help!