Looking Local and GP Appointments/Repeat Prescriptions - Background
Over 1,100 surgeries using EMIS Access are now in a position to offer their patients the ability to book, amend and cancel GP appointments or order Repeat Prescriptions via digital interactive TV and mobile. To take a look at Looking Local via a PC please go to - Looking Local
Looking Local in partnership with EMIS - http://www.emis-online.com/about-us/partners/ has extended the successful GP booking service with the aim of reaching households across the digital divide. Patients across the country are now able to access their GP's appointment book just by pushing a few buttons on their remote control or mobile phone. EMIS has already made this facility available to internet users, so it was a natural extension to make it available on DiTV and mobile phones.
What's new - Repeat Prescriptions...
To read more about this new service click here
Who is using this service?
Surgeries across the UK have been using the DiTV booking system for some time now and statistics prove that following the implementation of the service there were fewer DNAs (Do Not Attends). This has led to savings in the GP surgeries and allows for a smoother flow of patients through the waiting room.
BBC Midlands today covered the story of a patient and GP using the service, highlighting the benefits - To watch the video clip go to http://tiny.cc/MnRzx
How do patients use the service?
If you are already using EMIS Access you will already be familiar with issuing passwords and access information to patients, it is this same information that is required to allow the patient to access GP Appointments via their television.
Once at home, users are required to visit the "New User" section and activate the details given by the surgery. This includes the Practice ID, Access ID, PIN number and the individuals NHS number. Then using the details provided the patient can then book, amend or cancel an appointment depending on how they are feeling. GP appointment booking is available via Looking Local on the interactive menus on Sky, Virgin media (Telewest:NTL) Freeview boxes with a modem or broadband connection and mobile phones.
Details on how to access Looking Local can be found here - Looking Local Pathways
How can you advertise this service?
Making sure patients know that this service is available and more importantly how to use it is key to ensuring it is successful. Trent Vale Medical Practice is a great example of how to get this right. Firstly they placed details about the service on their website as well as ensuring articles appeared in the local press and patients received handouts designed and printed in house - Trent Vale Medical Practice
North Staffordshire PCT in conjunction with Stoke on Trent local authority also jointly created these marketing materials for display in local surgeries - GP Appointments Marketing
What do I need to do now?
The simple answer is NOTHING!
Just continue to provide patients with log on information and ensure they know how to access Looking Local. A quick and easy handout has been created for you to print out and begin using straight away - GP Appointments - Handout for patients
Need more information about EMIS Access
If you require further information regarding the current EMIS software you are using or if your surgery is able to make use of this application please contact your EMIS account manager.
