Keep Wales Safe Campaign – Over 14,000 GP consultations carried out virtually in past 12 months

A staggering 14,228 GP consultations have been carried out virtually during the past 12 months in Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire, saving patients time and money whilst keeping them safe from catching COVID-19.

A survey of patients who have had virtual GP appointments over the past 12 months said the benefits included not having to travel or find parking and, as they hadn’t had to leave home, they were able to help reduce the spread of COVID-19.

One Hywel Dda patient who had used virtual consultations said that these appointments were, “much better than having to attend surgery” particularly as they had just had a baby. They also noted that the app was “easy to load” and they had no issues utilising the service.

The way we access local NHS services has changed, with more ways in which you can consult your doctor or nurse.  Most surgeries now offer telephone as well as electronic advice consultations in the first instance.  Following your advice call, a face-to-face appointment may be organised, but video consultations are also available. You can now speak to a doctor or healthcare professional using the video camera in your smartphone, tablet or computer and a connection to the internet.  This is often more convenient and can save you time, as you will not need to travel for a face-to-face appointment.  The system used is confidential and secure.

Jill Paterson, Director of Primary Care, Community and Long Term Care at Hywel Dda University Health Board, said, “If you are offered a video consultation appointment this is because your Health Care Professional has indicated that is it safe and appropriate to do so. Your video appointment will be confidential and will not be recorded.”

After being offered a video consultation you will be sent a letter, email or text with details of your appointment. This communication will contain details of the service that has requested to see you by video and have provided a web address link. You can type or copy the web address link into a web browser via an internet enabled device and this will take you to the video clinic waiting area.

In order to access your virtual appointment, you will need:

·           Access to a device that will allow you to access the internet.  You should use Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge web browser on a desktop or laptop, or on an Android tablet or smartphone or Safari web browser on an Apple iMac, MacBook, iPad, or iPhone.

·           Your device will need a webcam (camera), speakers and microphone.

·           A good internet connection (if you can watch a YouTube video, this is good indication that you have a good connection).

·           An internet usage plan that is sufficient to cover the data consumption of a video call – ideally use a Wi-Fi connection if you have this available.

A General Practice Administrator for Hywel Dda Health Board said, “COVID has not only restricted the number of patients we can have in the practice at one time, but also stopped patients wanting to attend as they did before.”

Jill Paterson concluded, “By putting off small problems or regular appointments you could potentially be putting more strain on NHS emergency services so please, help us to help you, do not put anything off. Local GP surgeries are open and are there to offer medical advice and consult patients.”