Online GP treatment plan for County Durham

GP practices across County Durham are leading the way in digital evolution with online consultations and health care advice.

Patients are being encouraged to seek medical help online by visiting their practice website for a digital consultation with the new eConsult service.

It allows patients to submit theirsymptomsbycompleting anonlineformandreceivearesponse via telephone or e-mail withadviceoranappointment.

The service can also direct people to self-help guides and videos, pharmacy advice, selfreferral services and NHS 111 as well as request fit notes and GP letters.

Dr Stewart Findlay, Chief Officer at NHS Durham Dales, EasingtonandSedgefieldClinical Commissioning Group, said: “Online consultations offer a quick and convenient way toaccesshealthadvicewithout patients having to take time away from work and may prevent the need for an appointment.

“We know that eConsult won’t suit everyone and we are not replacing our regular telephoneappointmentsystems.”

Patients can register with their GP practice for an online accountallowingthemtobook appointments, order medication, access their record, view test results and request medication.

Nicola Murray, the commissioninggroup’sdigitallead, said: “New technology allows us to offer more choice than ever before.

“Many patients feel more comfortable talking about their problems online rather than face to face and with 70% of requests dealt with without the need for an appointment, online consultations also help free up GPs and other health professionals to spend time managing patients with more complex needs.”