‘‘Use video consultations”

Carla, a working mum from Sussex, needed a GP appointment and felt anxious about attending in person with her daughter because of the pandemic.

She was able to be seen by a GP through a video consultation by using an app on her phone.

She said: “I knew I needed to see someone before my condition got worse, but I didn’t think I was an urgent case.

“My practice provides video consultations, so I downloaded the app they use on my phone. I haven’t used this before and it was really easy, efficient and quick.

“Once registered, I booked an appointment, writing a short note about my health need and adding a photo.

“I could choose my appointment time or wait for the next available slot, which was in just 10 minutes.

“The GP video-called me through the app on my phone and within five minutes they had sent a prescription through to my local pharmacy, which I then collected the next day.

“I would definitely recommend online video consultations to others, especially right now when we are all trying to reduce our contact with other people to stay as safe as possible.”

To find out what services are available online at your GP surgery and which providers you can use, check your surgery’s website or contact them by phone.

GP surgeries and primary care services are up and running. If you have a health concern that you would usually consider seeing a GP for, please get in touch with your surgery as help is still available and you shouldn’t avoid seeking it.