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Our eConsult Service: Two Months On . . .

Some 2 months after we set up our new eConsult Service, we take a look at how it has been working for our patients and the practice as a whole.

Following feedback from patients regarding access issues to the telephone triage system we launched our new eConsult service. This allows people to request an administrative task or a GP review by the end of the next working day. Demand for the service has been high but we have managed to meet the target of answering all queries within the allotted time.

We are currently dealing with 60-100 requests per day with over 90% of patients satisfied with the service. It is likely that as the service gains more popularity we will need to dedicate more GP and administrative time towards supporting it.  We find it has been particularly helpful for our working population who can find it difficult to wait on the phone in the morning.

If you were unaware of the service or would simply like more information on it please visit our eConsult page here>>

Very satisfiedSaved time waiting in the queue to request a call back and with my ongoing health issues I always feel bad taking up an appointment that could be used by someone who has an urgent need for the doctor this service allowed me to put in a request for the doctor to call when he had a free minute
Fairly satisfiedBecause j dicng actually managed to speak to GP
Very satisfiedAs I was able to get an appointment at a time where I could make it
Very satisfiedI think it's great that it's a very fast service you're not sitting for 30 minutes on iPhone waiting for a phone call to be answered and then the email you back and everything is technology nowadays and and if you do need to see you then the phone and you book an appointment there and then I just think it's amazing
Very satisfiedI got to speak with the go I requested
Fairly satisfiedI used this for myself and it was fine, however I have also used for my daughter and it wasn't great. I never got the email return confirming a prescription was provided or any aftercare. It took for me to call to be told and the person I spoke to was a tad rude about it. It wasn't my fault the email wasn't there and I understand your busy, but maybe a phone call back would have avoided this.
I also need to point out on a separate note that there was a call made on an emergency appointment for my daughter and it took over 3 hours to call me back. I had been to A&E with her and was home by the time it took you to call back.
Very satisfiedI put my request in the morning and got my sick note that afternoon
Fairly satisfiedI wasn't dissatisfied but I ended up having to call nhs24 in the evening because I felt worse and was going to have to do sit two more days for a call back
Very satisfiedbecause it is quicker
Very satisfiedEfficient service.
Fairly satisfiedIt is fine depending on the nature of the problem
Very satisfiedEverything was easy to understand.quick and easy to fill out request form.and In the comfort of your own home.
Very satisfiedThe system works fine if it helps to keep the waiting times down
Very satisfiedCalled backed and got further prescription
Fairly satisfiedI was able to write my query in the the first paragraph but was forced to answer a lot of irrelevant questions in order to submit the e form . I had to tick a box when sometimes the question wasn't applicable. If I left it blank I couldn't move on. Also there was something else I wanted to say in the first paragraph but had to delete is as I had used up my 500 characters.
Very satisfiedIt's easier than calling and waiting in a phone queue
Very satisfiedPlease see the previous answer extremely satisfied.
Very satisfiedConvenient when working
Very satisfiedSuch a quick & easy way to contact the GP at a time of your choosing. Really quick response from the surgery. Staff who call back are so helpful at the surgery. For me, it took the anxiety out of contacting the surgery initially by telephone. Brilliant service!
Very satisfiedTrying to phone early morning to make an appointment to see a doctor is like a lottery, very little chance of getting an appointment. The eConsult service was quick and easy and call back was fairly quick. Very satisfied with this service.
Fairly satisfiedThe service I needed was difficult to find on line. The line doesn't have administrative help clearly visible .
Fairly dissatisfieddissatisfied as I never received a call back regarding my 5 year old son which led me to have to call the doctors surgery directly the following day
Very satisfiedIt was frustrating to start with as I picked the wrong option a number of times so more clarity on the start options would be good. Once started it worked great the DR called me back about a prescription that had a manufacturer production delay.
Very satisfiedVery easy
Very satisfiedA great alternative to waiting for a phone call to be answered, especially at busy times.
Very satisfiedQuick and easy to use. Perfect to fit around work

New Phone System Info

The Newbattle Medical Group Phone System

At the start of October the practice introduced a new phone system which makes patients aware as to where they are in the queue. This will to allow you to decide whether you wish to hold on or call back later when the lines may be quieter.

There are no other changes from the phone system we previously operated. This was made as the previous telephone system allowed only 4 calls to queue at any time and cut off any others waiting, meaning that patients constantly had to redial in order to book an appointment.  The waiting period to be answered was no different if anything it may have been longer as we are now able to see the number of patients waiting in the queue and increase the number of receptionists answering the calls to enable patient’s calls to be answered quicker.

Currently the practice answers an average 4 calls every minute at peak times, therefore if you were number 36 in the queue it would take approximately 9 minutes for your call to be answered.

The size of the queue is driven by patient demand on a daily basis.

Since the 3rd of October we have had the ability to see how many calls are coming through the practice.  During the period from 3rd October up to the 31st October (a three week period) a total of 11486 calls were answered by our reception.

In November a total number of 11430 calls were answered between the 1st and 30th of the month.

Female Sexual Health

Female Sexual Health

We offer a number of services at the practice relating to sexual health and contraception.

To discuss any method of contraception, please arrange a telephone appointment with one of our doctors . Before doing so, you may wish to look at some helpful information first to see what might be the best option for you.

NHS Lothian’s Sexual Health Website has a huge amount of relevant information

http://www.lothiansexualhealth.scot.nhs.uk/

IUD/IUS (Coil)

An intrauterine device is an excellent form of contraception.  If it is something you would like to discuss further then please make a telephone appointment with Dr Ansell, Dr Gaskell, Dr Glencross or Dr Morrison who can then arrange your fitting.

Vasectomy

If you are considering a vasectomy, this can be arranged directly through the Chalmers Centre.  Please call

0131 536 1512

Implant

This is another excellent form of contraception fitted in the practice.  If you would like to arrange a fitting then please arrange a telephone appointment with Dr Ansell, Dr Florence, Dr Gaskell, Dr Glencross, Dr Morrison or Dr Read.

Pregnancy / Abortion

If would like to continue with a pregnancy then you can now arrange an appointment directly with a midwife by calling NHS Lothian Maternity Services on 0131 536 2009.  Monday-Friday 0900-1645

To find out about care during pregnancy  www.readysteadybaby.org.uk.

Perhaps you did not intend to get pregnant or find yourself in a really difficult situation and wish to consider a termination of pregnancy.

You can call 0131 536 2454 to arrange an initial appointment at the Chalmers Centre.  Alternatively you can arrange a telephone appointment with one of our GPs to discuss the situation further.

STI testing

If you have had sex without a condom and would like STI screening, then this can usually be arranged at the practice.  Please arrange an appointment to discuss this with any of our GPs.

General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR)

Data Protection Notice

  1. About Newbattle Medical Group.

The practice is an independent contractor providing primary medical services by way of a contract with NHS Lothian, made under the National Health Service (Scotland) Act 1978 (the 1978 Act).  It is one of the organisations which form part of NHS Scotland (NHSS).

  1. About the personal information we use

We use personal information on different groups of individuals including:

  • Patients
  • Staff
  • Contractors
  • Suppliers
  • Complainants, enquirers
  • Survey respondents
  • Professional experts and consultants
  • Individuals captured by CCTV

The personal information we use includes information that identifies you like your name, address, date of birth and postcode.

We also use more sensitive types of personal information, including information about racial or ethnic origin; political opinions; religious or philosophical beliefs; trade union membership; genetic and biometric data, health; sex life or sexual orientation.

The information we use can relate to personal and family details; education, training and employment details; financial details; lifestyle and social circumstances; goods and services; visual images; details held in the patient record; responses to surveys.

  1. Our purposes for using personal information

Under the 1978 Act, Newbattle Medical Group has the statutory responsibility to provide or arrange for the provision of a range of healthcare, health improvement and health protection services. We are given these tasks so that we can help to promote the improvement of the physical and mental health of the people of Newbattle Medical Group and assist in operating a comprehensive and integrated national health service in Scotland.

We use personal information to enable us to provide healthcare services for patients (including reminding you of appointments), data matching under the national fraud initiative; research; supporting and managing our employees; maintaining our accounts and records and the use of CCTV systems for crime prevention.

 

 

  1. Our legal basis for using personal information

Newbattle Medical Group, as data controller, is required to have a legal basis when using personal information. Newbattle Medical Group considers that performance of our tasks and functions are in the public interest.  So when using personal information our legal basis is usually that its use is necessary for the performance of a task carried out in the public interest, or in the exercise of official authority vested in us.  In some situations we may rely on a different legal basis; for example, when we are using personal information to pay a supplier, our legal basis is that its use is necessary for the purposes of our legitimate interests as a buyer of goods and services. Another example would be for compliance with a legal obligation to which Newbattle Medical Group is subject to, for example under the Public Health etc (Scotland) Act 2008 we are required to notify Health Protection Scotland when someone contracts a specific disease.

When we are using more sensitive types of personal information, including health information, our legal basis is usually that the use is necessary:

  • for the provision of health or social care or treatment or the management of health or social care systems and services; or
  • for reasons of public interest in the area of public health; or
  • for reasons of substantial public interest for aims that are proportionate and respect people’s rights, for example research; or
  • in order to protect the vital interests of an individual; or
  • for the establishment, exercise or defence of legal claims or in the case of a court order.

On rare occasions we may rely on your explicit consent as our legal basis for using your personal information.  When we do this we will explain what it means, and the rights that are available, to you.  You should be aware that we will continue to ask for your consent for other things like taking part in a drug trial, or when you are having an operation.

  1. Who provides the personal information

When you do not provide information directly to us, we receive it from other individuals and organisations involved in the delivery of health and care services in Scotland.  These include other NHS Boards and primary care contractors such as GPs, dentists, pharmacists and opticians; other public bodies e.g. Local Authorities and suppliers of goods and services.

  1. Sharing personal information with others

Depending on the situation, where necessary we will share appropriate, relevant and proportionate personal information in compliance with the law, with the following:

  • Our patients and their chosen representatives or carers
  • Staff
  • Current, past and potential employers
  • Healthcare social and welfare organisations
  • Suppliers, service providers, legal representatives
  • Auditors and audit bodies
  • Educators and examining bodies
  • Research organisations
  • People making an enquiry or complaint
  • Financial organisations
  • Professional bodies
  • Trade Unions
  • Business associates
  • Police forces.
  • Security organisations.
  • Central and local government.
  • Voluntary and charitable organisations.

 

  1. Transferring personal information abroad

It is sometimes necessary to transfer personal health information overseas for example if you require urgent medical treatment abroad. When this is needed information may be transferred to countries or territories around the world. Any transfers made will be in full compliance with NHS Scotland Information Security Policy.

  1. Retention periods of the information we hold

Newbattle Medical Group keeps personal information as set out in the Scottish Government Records Management: NHS Code of Practice (Scotland) Version 2.1 January 2012.  The NHS Code of Practice sets out minimum retention periods for information, including personal information, held in different types of records including personal health records and administrative records.  As directed by the Scottish Government in the Records Management Code of Practice, we maintain a retention schedule as part of our Records Management Policy detailing the minimum retention period for the information and procedures for the safe disposal of personal information.

  1. How we protect personal information

We take care to ensure your personal information is only accessible to authorised people.  Our staff have a legal and contractual duty to keep personal health information secure, and confidential. The following security measures are in place to protect personal information:

  • All staff undertake mandatory training in Data Protection and IT Security
  • Compliance with NHS Scotland Information Security Policy
  • Organisational policy and procedures on the safe handling of personal information
  • Access controls and audits of electronic systems

 

 

  1. Your rights

 

This section contains a description of your data protection rights within Newbattle Medical Group.

 

The right to be informed

 

Newbattle Medical Group must explain how we use your personal information. We use a number of ways to communicate how personal information is used, including:

 

  • This Data Protection Notice
  • Information leaflets
  • Discussions with staff providing your care

 

The right of access

 

You have the right to access your own personal information.

 

This right includes making you aware of what information we hold along with the opportunity to satisfy you that we are using your information fairly and legally.

 

You have the right to obtain:

  • Confirmation that your personal information is being held or used by us
  • Access to your personal information
  • Additional information about how we use your personal information

 

Although we must provide this information free of charge, if your request is considered unfounded or excessive, or if you request the same information more than once, we may charge a reasonable fee.

 

If you would like to access your personal information, you can do this by submitting a written request.

 

Sandra Allan
Practice Manager
Newbattle Medical Group
Blackcot
Mayfield

Dalkeith

Midlothian
EH22 4AA

 

Once we have received your request and you have provided us with enough information for us to locate your personal information, we will respond to your request without delay, within one month (30 days). However If your request is complex we may take longer, by up to two months, to respond.  If this is the case we will tell you and explain the reason for the delay.

 

The right to rectification

 

If the personal information we hold about you is inaccurate or incomplete you have the right to have this corrected.

 

If it is agreed that your personal information is inaccurate or incomplete we will aim to amend your records accordingly, normally within one month, or within two months where the request is complex.  However, we will contact you as quickly as possible to explain this further if the need to extend our timescales applies to your request.  Unless there is a risk to patient safety, we can restrict access to your records to ensure that the inaccurate or incomplete information is not used until amended.

 

If for any reason we have shared your information with anyone else, perhaps during a referral to another service for example, we will notify them of the changes required so that we can ensure their records are accurate.

 

If on consideration of your request Newbattle Medical Group does not consider the personal information to be inaccurate then we may add a comment to your record stating your concerns about the information. If this is case we will contact you within one month to explain our reasons for this.

 

If you are unhappy about how Newbattle Medical Group has responded to your request for rectification we will provide you with information on how you can complain to the Information Commissioner’s Office, or how to take legal action.

 

The right to object

 

When Newbattle Medical Group is processing your personal information for the purpose of the performance of a task carried out in the public interest or in the exercise of official authority you have the right to object to the processing and also seek that further processing of your personal information is restricted. Provided Newbattle Medical Group can demonstrate compelling legitimate grounds for processing your personal information, for instance; patient safety or for evidence to support legal claims, your right will not be upheld.

 

Other rights

 

There are other rights under current Data Protection Law however these rights only apply in certain circumstances. If you wish further information on these rights click here

 

 

The right to complain

 

If you are unhappy with the way in which we use your personal information please tell our Data Protection Officer using the contact details below.

 

Sandra Allan
Practice Manager
Newbattle Medical Group
Blackcot
Mayfield

Dalkeith

Midlothian
EH22 4AA

 

You also have the right to complain about how we use your personal information to the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO).  Details about this are on their website at www.ico.org.uk.

 

 

 

 

  1. Translation Service/ Accessibility

 

If you require translation service please find details to enquire below.

 

Interpretation and Translation Service

NHS Lothian Staff Bank

Comely Bank Centre

13 Crewe Road South

Edinburgh,

EH4 2LD

 

Staffbank.its@nhslothian.scot.nhs.uk

 

Telephone: 0131 536 2020 option 5 option 5

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ways you can help us help YOU!

Please Use the National Health Service Wisely

There are many problems which do not require a Doctor or Nurse. It is important that everyone uses their local GP and A&E departments appropriately, this ensures we are available for serious health problems. Other local NHS services you can contact for health advice, information or treatment.

  • Remember that the local pharmacies all offer a Minor Ailment service which should be the first point of call for ailments such as :
    • Coughs & colds
    • Hay Fever
    • Back Ache
    • Head lice
    • + Many more. Leaflets are available at the pharmacies
  • The first point of contact for dental problems, eye problems and foot issues should be your Dentist, Optician or Podiatrist who will refer you to the GP if required
  • Please be patient when calling the practice. Large call volumes mean that there may be a wait until the receptionist can answer your call. We will answer as soon as we can
  • It may be that you called in the morning to request a call back but due to high volumes of calls your slot is later in the day. Please allow time for the GP to call you back
  • All prescriptions must be ordered in writing or online for audit purposes
  • Local pharmacies can set up an agreement with you where they will order your medication and collect the prescription for you to save you coming to the surgery to collect it. Speak to your pharmacy
  • Prescription requests take 48 hours for a repeat prescription and 5 days for an acute. Make sure you order in time!
  • Please try to order your medication timely. If the order is too soon it will not be processed, too late and we may not be able have it ready when you need it. We recommend 7 – 10 days prior to the end of your current medication
  • Should you have any complaints or concerns regarding the practice please let us know directly either verbally or in writing. This will allow us to investigate, respond to you and if possible take any action required to improve our service