askmyGP
The Buttercross (Somerton) and Ilchester GP Practice has adopted a new system to provide patients with faster and easier access to receiving help. Called ‘askmyGP’ it has already been running very successfully in a number of practices across Somerset. Both patients and clinicians have been very complimentary.
Here is how it works. Once you have registered on the new system, if you need help with a health issue, you provide a few details about your concern. You can do this online, via a smartphone, in person or by telephone.
Please click on the link below to be taken to the Buttercross Health Centre and the Ilchester Surgery website where you can register on the new system:
https://www.buttercrosshc.nhs.uk/
Your concern will be seen by a GP who will ensure you receive a response as soon as possible. You can nominate how you would like to hear back; this can be by telephone (you can even indicate when it is convenient for you to take the call) or online message. If you need to see a clinician you will be offered an appointment; otherwise you will receive advice on what to do next and reassurance. The GP will operate a ‘triage’ process so that requests are prioritised.
Other practices using the system have found that a significant number of concerns can be addressed without patients having to attend the surgery once they have received a call or message.
Other features of askmyGP include the patient being able to upload pictures for the GP to view and being able to request a specific practitioner they would like to deal with their issue.
Since the system went ‘live’ at the end of January, staff have been assisting patients to register with ‘askmyGP’ and answering their questions. This will be ongoing so patients do not have to act immediately but when they need to contact the practice they will be offered support so they can access this new way of working.
Information leaflets are available at both sites (Somerton and Ilchester) and elsewhere in each of the towns but you can find out more at https://askmygp.uk/how-it-works