A NEW initiative which allows patients to book a doctor’s appointment, request repeat prescriptions and view a summary of their medical records online has been rolled out across GP practices in Redditch and Bromsgrove.
Patients can access this service from their computer, smartphone or tablet, meaning they will no longer have to call or visit their GP practice to book appointments or request repeat prescriptions.
The service will run alongside traditional methods of accessing services. This means that those without a computer, or who do not want to join up to patient online, can still call or visit the surgery to book appointments and request repeat prescriptions.
Staff at many of the practices already involved in the scheme, have reported a ‘freeing up’ of phone lines as more patients make use of patient online services. This gives staff more time to deal with other important issues and queries.
Dr Jonathan Wells, Chair and Clinical Lead for NHS Redditch and Bromsgrove CCG said: ‘‘Patient online enables patients to take greater control of their health and wellbeing by allowing them to book appointments or request repeat prescriptions online.
“Allowing patients more flexibility to access such services online will prove more convenient and remove the need to call or visit the surgery in person and I’d encourage patients to use the new services.”
For more information visit: www.england.nhs.uk/ourwork/pe/patient-online .
