Doctors at an Aberdeenshire medical practice have met patients to try and allay fears over a new appointment booking system.
Stonehaven Medical Group are rolling out an online same-day booking system called eConsult.
But patients have raised concerns about data protection and the difficulties elderly or vulnerable people might face using it.
GPs last week attended a meeting organised by the community council to offer reassurances about the new system, which was attended by more than 200 people.
Dr Kris McLaughlin said: “We fully recognise that the eConsult system for booking same-day appointments may take some time to bed in, however there are also many benefits to using the system.
“These include the ability for the clinical team to triage patients, making sure that those with the greatest need are seen as a matter of priority.
“It is also more convenient for a number of people as it eliminates the 08.30am scramble for appointments and people can get in contact at any time.”
Colleague Dr Stuart Reary added: “With demand on health and social care services increasing we, as GPs, must look at new ways to meet that demand.
“By introducing this system, we are better able to make sure that people see the right practitioner at the right time in the right place.
“We are very mindful of the issues that were raised, and we are working hard to address them.”
