PIONEERING TECHNOLOGY is being adopted by Saddleworth Medical Practice this month so patients can consult with their GP via a mobile ‘PushDR’ application.
The Uppermill-based surgery is one of the first NHS surgeries in the UK to offer doctor’s appointments via secure video using the app rather than people visiting the surgery.
And Practice Partner Dr Ian Watson believes the scheme will be a big hit with residents who already use mobile video as well as improving healthcare and save costs.
He explained: “The consultations will be available for any patient who doesn’t need a physical examination and are much more effective than speaking on the phone.
“We will also be able to hold joint consultations for patients where we can be joined by district nurses or social workers.”
The practice serves 14,500 patients across Saddleworth and the app could save them making journeys to the clinic, especially during winter months.
It is also hoped it the new app will reduce waiting times at the surgery, as well as be more practical for those who work.
Saddleworth Practice Manager, Tracy Jenkinson, said: “Sometimes we have patients who literally cannot get in and non-attendance at appointments can prove costly.
“Around 200 people didn’t attend appointments in September, for example.”
To use the service, patients should contact the practice in normal ways to book an appointment and will be offered an online consultation if appropriate.
Once they have downloaded the app to their mobile phone or tablet, they will be able to speak to their GP via video and even obtain a prescription if necessary without leaving their home or conveniently from work.
The ‘PushDR’ app is the brainchild of Eren Ozagir who sees it as “a stress reliever for practice doctors and their patients.”
He added: “Downloading the app is very simple and it has been designed to make seeing your GP as easy as shopping online; it’s also secure and encrypted.
“We want to help everyone gain better access to the healthcare services they need when they need it and wherever they are.”
The Saddleworth Practice won funds to develop the online consultation initiative at a Dragons’ Den bidding event organised by Oldham Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG).
Denis Gizzi, Managing Director and Lead Manager at Oldham CCG said: “The aim of the Dragons’ Den initiative was to back schemes that delivered value for money and gave residents superb healthcare wrapped around the patient’s needs.
“In every way, the Saddleworth scheme meets that brief and has already gained the support of residents and attracted interest from other areas of the NHS.”
However, the scheme was greeted with mixed responses when it was announced at a Saddleworth Parish Council meeting last month.
Cllr Brian Lord said: “Call me a luddite but I would not know where to start to speak to my doctor via video. I would much prefer to go in for an appointment face to face.”
Cllr Graham Sheldon added: “A lot of people still to traditional methods rather than new technology but sometimes people forget that these days.”
But Royce Franklin, a Parish Councillor and also chair of the Saddleworth Patient Participation Group, hopes the new service will help reduce waiting times at the surgery.
He said: “While it is appreciated not everyone is happy with a computer the system will relieve pressure on an over-worked appointments system and create space for those who want to have face to face contact.”
Learn more about PushDR at www.pushdr.com
Why is there a problem with the health service in Saddleworth ? I relocated to live and work here 52 years ago and we are still having to make do with the same tiny inefficient Surgery . I sympathise with the people who have to work in this building. My wife is disabled and confined to a wheelchair. She has been treated in a corridor as the consulting room being used was not accessible from the narrow corridor.
Saddleworth is surrounded by new large health centres and new surgerys while this area has been neglected. The people of Saddleworth deserve better !!