Huddersfield doctors leading the way with online booking

GP practices in the Greater Huddersfield area are at the forefront of digital improvements in the NHS with the implementation of online systems.

All 38 member practices from NHS Greater Huddersfield Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) are now offering online booking of GP appointments, requests for repeat prescriptions and access to summary medical records.

The new service means patients can take care of their health and wellbeing using their computer, smartphone or tablet at a time that suits them rather than call or visit the surgery, complimenting 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.

NHS Greater Huddersfield CCG has been an accelerator site for the implementation of the NHS England’s Patient Online initiative with practices sharing their expertise and learning across the country. A number of accelerator sites have worked with their Patient Participation Groups (PPGs) to gather their views on online services and identify their support requirements.  Patients groups have also been involved with the design and wording of posters and leaflets which can be seen in practices across the country.

Evidence from the accelerator sites has found that patients are more likely to remember to attend the appointments they have made online because they are able to choose the date and time that suits them.

Dr Steve Ollerton, GP Clinical Chair from NHS Greater Huddersfield CCG said ‘‘The CCG is committed to adopting and adapting new technology to benefit our patients.   All 38 practices are now signed up to offering online booking of appointments, ordering of prescriptions and access to summary medical records and we are encouraging as many patients as possible who are aged 16 and above to register so that they can use these services at a time which is most convenient for them”.

NHS England is working closely with the Royal College of General Practitioners, patients, carers, practice managers and GP leaders to raise awareness of and support for the patient online initiative.

For more information about patient online, ask at your GP surgery or visit www.england.nhs.uk/ourwork/pe/patient-online