By Dr Richard Davies, Chair and Clinical Lead, NHS Redditch and Bromsgrove Clinical Commissioning Group
TECHNOLOGY now plays a huge part in how people access health information and services.
Many patients have taken the opportunity to book appointments or request repeat prescriptions online and with sites like NHS Choices there are a lot more options available at the touch of a button.
More and more apps are becoming available to help people look after their health.
They cover a range of conditions and organisations and one of these is the Ask NHS app, which gives patients more flexibility in accessing health support and advice.
It allows patients to get confidential advice based on their symptoms, search for health services and book GP appointments.
It’s available to download for free from both Google and iOS App Store.
Apps like this also help reduce the demand on GPs and emergency departments.
However although digital services are a great support, they do not replace more traditional methods and people can still book appointments, request repeat prescriptions and access advice and support as they have done before.
Also, NHS 111 is available for anyone that would prefer to talk through any health issues, that aren’t an emergency.
This service will direct the patient to the most appropriate service for them, which includes out of hours GP appointments.
A wide range of health apps are available, some of which are available at https://apps.beta.nhs.uk/. To stay up-to-date, follow @RB_CCG on Twitter.
