A reboot for GP online services

GP practices in Greater Huddersfield and North Kirklees are encouraging local people to sign up and start accessing GP services online.

Once signed up for GP online services, you can:

• Book and cancel appointments online, when it suits you.
• Order repeat prescriptions online. Some patients have found that they save money and time as they don’t need to make a special trip to their practice to order repeat prescriptions.

• Look at part of your GP records online. You can look at your records whenever you want, even from the comfort of your home, and find answers to questions you may have without ringing your doctor.

GP online services are highly recommended by Ravensthorpe resident Tony Hollands, who said:

“When you use the online prescription service, you can pick up your medication at any pharmacy, for example, one close to your home or work. You don’t need to visit the surgery and prescriptions are sent directly to the pharmacy of your choice. It’s really very convenient for a lot of people and I would encourage everyone to use the service.”

It’s easy to sign up, you just need to take some photo ID and proof of address to your surgery, fill out a simple form and you’ll be given all the details you need to get started.

Dr David Kelly, local GP and Chair of NHS North Kirklees Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) said:

“GP online services are totally secure because each user has a unique username and password so that no one else can view their details. Patients who access these online services often feel more in control of their health and wellbeing. For example, you can use the online system to check test results, or to order your repeat prescription at a time, and place, that suits you.”

All GP practices in Kirklees now offer patients this alternative to visiting or ringing the surgery. People can access online services from a computer, smartphone or tablet – any time of the day, or night.

Dr Steve Ollerton, local GP and Clinical Leader, NHS Greater Huddersfield CCG added:

“The thought of accessing GP services online can be a bit daunting for some people but once you register and get going, it’s really straightforward. Our patients find using online services really convenient because they don’t have to ring or visit the practice. Appointments can also be cancelled online if they are no longer needed which means they are then made available for other patients.”

One of the main benefits of accessing GP services online is being able to renew prescriptions, and feel confident that you’re ordering the correct medication, especially if the name of your medication is very long or hard to pronounce.

Alan Barlow from Upperthong near Holmfirth takes daily medication after suffering a heart attack over five years ago. Alan told us:

“Being able to renew my prescriptions online means that I don’t even need to remember the names and dosages of my medication because it’s all detailed on my ‘prescribed medication’ page. I just select the medication I need and click to order, without having to try and list it over the phone.”

For more information about GP online services visit the NHS Choices website