Based on your feedback that we collected during the recent survey around our website, we know that there is a demand for GP consultations to be offered via video.

We are therefore delighted to announce that as of Monday 16th December Your Health Partnership, working with an organisation called Push Doctor, will be offering video consultations with qualified NHS GPs.

In addition to our usual offer there are are now 23 appointments available per day via Push Doctor which equates to 115 appointments per week or 5 standard GP clinics. This is a great way for us to be able to flexibly offer more GP appointments at a time when GP recruitment and retention is very challenging indeed.

So how does it work?

Push Doctor works via an app which uses the camera on your smartphone, tablet or laptop.

You can ask for a video consultation when looking to make an appointment in the usual way, either in person at reception or over the telephone – we aren’t able to offer these appointments to book through our online services at this time.

The receptionist/telephonist will confirm a few details to make sure you are suitable to use the service. Push Doctor is not suitable for:

• Patients under 18
• Emergency patients
• Patients that are clearly distressed
• Patients without mobile numbers registered to them i.e no mobile number or a number shared with others
• Patients who are not able to speak English
• Patients who do not hold valid identification documentation

You will then receive a text message invitation to use the service. Follow the link to download the Push Doctor app to your device.

You will be required to register a few personal details.

Once you have created your account you can choose an appointment time and day to suit you.

Make sure you sign into the app 5-10 minutes before your appointment time; you will enter a virtual waiting room before starting your consultation with the GP.

Push Doctor’s GPs are all based in England and can be found on the NHS performers list. Comprehensive checks are carried out by Push Doctor before they allow new GPs to start working with them.

You can consult with the GP in exactly the same way as you would with any other GP; they are able to assess, diagnose, order tests and prescribe medication. All the information will be entered directly into your clinical record.

If the GP feels you need to be seen for something then he or she will be able to book you in with the Duty Doctor at the site you usually attend.

We look forward to sharing feedback on the new service in due course.