An exciting addition to the range of urgent help available in Hertfordshire has been made, with patients now able to have a video call-back when contacting the NHS 111 service.
It is the first service of its kind offered by NHS 111 in the country and has been made available following a successful pilot scheme using the WhatsApp messaging service.
The initiative was led by Dr Vishen Ramkisson and Dr Vipul Parbat, Hertfordshire GPs and clinical leads for Integrated Urgent Care in Hertfordshire, as well as Dr Rafid Aziz, Medical Director for HUC, the organisation that runs the NHS 111 scheme for Hertfordshire.
Video conversations can help patients and GPs communicate more easily and conveniently and in some cases, can provide a safe alternative to a face-to-face appointment. The pilot found this new service reduced the need for patients to travel to see a doctor and helped avoid unnecessary referrals to urgent care centres or A&E departments.
Secure video call-backs from a doctor take place after an initial ‘triage’ telephone or online conversation has established that someone will benefit from a WhatsApp video consultation.
Dr Ramkisson said: “The video consulting service takes advantage of the trends in the way people are using technology and puts the patient in control by extending choice. Together with the NHS 111 online service, patients now have greater control and choice about how they receive advice for minor treatments.”
Dr Aziz, Medical Director added: "We continuously strive to innovate to create a more efficient and effective service for patients. The video link helps people to get earlier face-to-face clinical advice, assessing the patient safely...it means a smoother consultation process and makes sure they receive the appropriate care, without the need for an appointment in many cases.”
More information NHS Digital transformation can be found here: https://www.england.nhs.uk/digitaltechnology/
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