Virtual GP services

SIR – It’s encouraging to see that the Health Secretary, Matt Hancock, has brought his enthusiasm for innovative technology to the role, particularly with regards to the expansion of virtual GP services across the country.

The use of up-to-date technology within the NHS has the potential to provide a quick, helpful service to patients while reducing the burden on overstretched GP services.

However, I would urge Mr Hancock to recognise and champion the benefits that other platforms can have in supporting GPs and patients, rather than just the services of one particular provider. Mr Hancock is right that any new system should not be a postcode lottery, but it should be up to new service providers to work closely with the local health system to provide bespoke solutions, based on merit rather than departmental preferences. Andrew Gardner CEO, Doctorlink London WC2 SIR – On becoming registered Spanish residents in 2004, we were issued with a smart health card. This enabled access to our GP. That GP sent our prescriptions to the pharmacy electronically. Any pharmacy could then dispense the prescription upon production of the card. The whole thing was completely paperless.

Without the card, you could not see a doctor without paying. While travelling through Spain, we were able to access emergency services, and our cards brought up our medical details.

When we returned to live in Britain, it was like travelling back in time. We should learn from Spain: a poorer country than ours, but in many ways more up-to-date.