The Aberdeenshire Health & Social Care Partnership has publicly supported the roll-out of a new way for people to attend healthcare appointments by using video consulting technology.
The software, called NHS Near Me, allows people to arrange an appointment with their healthcare provider by making a video call, similar to Facetime.
Patients using their own digital device, such as a computer with a camera, a smart phone or tablet, can enter an ‘online waiting area’ for the booked appointment.
The technology behind NHS Near Me has been designed specifically for the health care sector and is already being employed by a number of services in NHS Grampian and elsewhere in Scotland, including outpatient clinics and community-based services.
Dr Chris Allan, an Aberdeenshire GP and primary care clinical lead for the AHSCP, said: “Practices have been using telephone appointments for a number of years for when a physical examination is not required, and this is a further upgrade to that, allowing GP and patient to see as well as speak to each other directly.
“Near Me video appointments will not be suitable for everyone, or every situation, but with the current advice around COVID-19 (Coronavirus) to self-isolate and not attend GP practices or hospitals if you have concerns or symptoms, then using NHS Near Me, where it is available, is a very good idea.”
GP practices across Aberdeenshire are at varying stages of rolling out NHS Near Me and the AHSCP has a dedicated team supporting practices in adopting the technology through training and installation of necessary ‘kit’.
Anne Stirling, chairwoman of the Aberdeenshire Integration Joint Board, said: “Using NHS Near Me is a great way for people to attend healthcare appointments and using this service for appointments with your GP, advanced nurse practitioner or other healthcare professional means that you don’t have to travel, which at this time of year is good news for everyone.
“The Integration Joint Board has recently signed off a strategic plan for the delivery of Health & Social Care across Aberdeenshire for the next five years and rolling out technologies, such as NHS Near Me, is a crucial area for ensuring that we future proof our services across both Primary and Secondary care.”
Residents have been encouraged to look out for promotional materials about NHS Near Me and ask their practice or healthcare professional if they are offering appointments.
