NHS Fife Axes GP Patient Personal Consultations in parts of Fife when the NHS is Supposed to be ‘Open’
Editorial…
If you don’t have a computer, device, or smartphone to make your appointment don’t worry. You have two options.
1) Contact a friend with an appropriate device and ask your friend to enter the details
2) Phone the surgery as usual. They will then arrange for someone to phone you back. But the downside is that you may not get help on the day.
Just slightly concerned a two-tier system is being implemented here that put those without computer equipment at risk.
40% of the population do not have computer access.
80% of those over 65 and the disabled do not have Internet Access.
Quoting from the info below:
“Will I be able to telephone for an appointment on the day?
The best way to seek medical help is to complete the online form.”
Slightly, concerned that people will be surprised by the changes tomorrow as the information is only available online. I have not had a letter personally from the surgery telling me about the changes. It will come as a shock to a lot of patients
End of Editorial.
Below is a full note from IMG
‘From 19th of August, the Practice will be introducing a new way to seek help to manage your health conditions.
Please go to our website:
www.inverkeithingmedicalgroup.scot.nhs.uk
Click on the button below and complete the online form.
There is no need to telephone or come to the Practice.
Online Consult provides information and advice
24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Forms will be dealt with during normal
working hours, Monday-Friday
YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED
Why are we changing our Appointment System?
As lockdown measures continue to change, we have had to follow the Health Protection Scotland Guidance and adapt the way we deal with patients’ medical problems. To keep patients and staff safe, we will have to deal with patients remotely wherever possible.
Working differently will help us to free up capacity, offer a sustainable service, and ensure that our patients access the right person in the right place at the right time in a safe way. We have a range of clinical and professional staff available to offer health care to patients to help us to do this.
What if I do not have a computer, smartphone, tablet/iPad?
Online Consult does not require registration logins or password so a family member or friend can complete the online form on your behalf, even if they do not live at your address.
Patients with no means to access the online form can telephone the Surgery.Your details will be taken and you will be placed on a list for a call back from a member of staff who will complete the form for you, with your input.
What if I am under 16?
Please ask a parent or guardian to fill out the form on your behalf.
If you do not wish a parent or guardian to know you are contacting the Surgery then please telephone Reception.
How quickly will someone deal with the form?
We will aim to deal with the form as quickly as possible throughout the day but no later than 2 working days (excluding weekends and public holidays) after receipt.
Will I be able to telephone for an appointment on the day?
The best way to seek medical help is to complete the online form.
If you are looking for advice on the day, the earlier the form is completed, the more likely you will receive advice on the day.
WHY SHOULD I USE ONLINE CONSULT?
You can access this system 24/7 even when the Practice is closed. The system offers a wealth of advice and information including leaflets and videos directing you to appropriate services to help you self-manage your condition – all advice will be tailored based on your symptoms.
All advice and information provided are clinically approved.
No more waiting to get through on the telephone.
We will call you back during Surgery opening hours, saving you any telephone costs.
It will be easier to include confidential information on the online form so no more embarrassing conversations over the telephone.
The form will allow you to provide more detailed information/history of your symptoms, allowing the Clinician to provide the most appropriate care for you.
The Clinician will consider whether you need to be seen remotely or face to face, and we will try to accommodate a suitable time and place for this to happen.
HOW DO I USE ONLINE CONSULT?
Go to our website home page:
www.inverkeithingmedicalgroup.scot.nhs.uk
Click on the Big Blue Online Consult Button.
Search for your symptom or condition.
Select the result that matches.
Fill in the online form outlining your symptoms to view relevant information tailored to your result.
Please enter all your contact details on the form, i.e. landline telephone number, mobile telephone number and email address.
If you still need help after viewing the support information, submit the form directly to us.
A Clinician will review the form and consider the most appropriate care for you based on your symptoms.
I am worried about the confidentiality of information submitted:
You can be reassured that Online Consult has passed stringent security and is approved for use by NHS Fife.
All our staff adhere to a strict confidentiality policy and will only use information submitted to ensure that the right person deals with this, e.g. medication advice will be dealt with by our Practice Pharmacist.
WHAT HAS STAYED THE SAME?
Booking a Nursing/Phlebotomy Appointment
You can continue to book an appointment with the Nurse or Phlebotomist by phoning the Surgery to make an appointment.
Repeat Prescription Requests
You can continue to request repeat prescriptions online via Patient Access, via the Community Pharmacy or posting in the Prescription Box at the Surgery.
We would encourage you to register for Patient Access to order your repeat prescriptions. If you wish to register for Patient Access please contact the Surgery for more details.
Housecall Requests
Housecall requests can be made via telephone, preferably before 10 am.
Palliative Care Patients
Palliative care patients can call us on the telephone at any time.
Need More Info:
If you require further information about Online Consult, please email us at
REMEMBER, IF YOUR CONDITION IS LIFE-THREATENING,
PLEASE DIAL 999 FOR THE AMBULANCE SERVICE
