High-tech ‘transformer’ could be future for GPs

STAFF at GP services across the borough have described new practices using technology to help primary care continue during the Covid-19 pandemic as ‘transformational’ - and a leading doctor says these should be utilised in the future to continue providing better outcomes for patients.

Digital solutions to allow patients to still access care and support from general practice while maintaining social distancing and shielding were put into place quickly by NHS Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale Clinical Commissioning Group (NHS HMR CCG) at the beginning of the lockdown period.

The CCG worked with GP practices and partner organisations to respond to national guidance and put local solutions in place to allow primary services to continue via video consultation as a matter of urgency.

Practices moved to a total triage first system, with patients with planned face-to-face appointments contacted and triaged remotely. Where possible all appointments required following triage were done remotely either via telephone, online or video conferencing.

Where a face to face appointment was clinically appropriate following triage, practices were still able to offer these once appropriate safety precautions had been put in place.

Staff say patients adapted well to the digital ways of working and in some cases were able to feel more comfortable in the comfort of their own homes, reducing stress and anxiety sometimes associated with to medical appointments. Digital appointments were more convenient, saving patients time and the hassle of waiting in telephone queues, and enabling GPs to treat patients quicker.

GPs added that the Electronic Prescription Service (EPS) has also been invaluable, allowing prescriptions to be sent electronically to a patient’s nominated pharmacy, or in some cases having it sent to their home without them having to physically visit their GP practice.

Dr Chris Duffy, chair of HMR CCG and a GP at Argyle Street Medical Centre in Heywood, said: “Initially, when the Covid-19 outbreak hit and lockdown was implemented, patients were reluctant to contact healthcare providers, even when there may have been a pressing need. Introducing the digital options removed the barriers to allow patients to receive the care they needed digitally.

GPs have described the changes as transformational to primary care, helping to solve issues including telephone queries and delays for routine appointments and clinicians no longer relying on face-to-face appointments to care for their patients.

“I am immensely proud of the way that primary care has adapted almost overnight to enable us to conduct 95 per cent of our surgeries over telephone and video link. Primary care across the borough has quickly altered to new ways of working and new technology in order to continue providing care for patients during an incredibly challenging time.

“We must continue to focus on ensuring that the technologies utilised into the system are fully embedded and can improve outcomes for patients during Covid-19 and beyond.”

As GP practices look to the future beyond the pandemic, they will continue to develop and improve digital services, focusing on the online aspects of contact and patient care.

However, doctors have emphasised the importance of patient awareness of the extra measures put in place by Rochdale Council to prevent a local lockdown.

The new measures put in place are:

Borough GPs, including Dr Sonal Sharma, GP at Inspire Medical Centre, Rochdale, say digital solutions introduced during lockdown have, reduced appointment delays

Wear face coverings in shops.

Wear face coverings in public as much as possible.

Limit visitors to your home to two people.

Keep 2 metres apart at all times.

Avoid physical contact with anyone outside your own household, including shaking hands or hugging.

Get tested and isolate if you are told to do so.