GPs' surgery joins the digital age
Patients at a doctors' surgery can now book appointments at the click of a computer mouse.
Markyate Surgery has built a website that can give patients access to appointments, medical information, laboratory results and repeat prescriptions.
"We've had several thousand hits already," said Elspeth Taylor, the practice manager at the surgery in Hicks Road.
"Patients can go into the website and make an appointment and amend their personal details."
The surgery warns people to keep their password and access private details but Mrs Taylor said both the company and the surgery have the highest standards of security.
"It is all very confidential," Mrs Taylor said. "People working at the surgery have to sign a confidentiality agreement to do their jobs anyway."
The surgery's website is at www.markyatesurgery99.co.uk. On it, patients can also see health advice and information about the surgery's opening times.
Website visitors can also see information about members of staff at the surgery where the GP principal is Dr Tehmton Sepai. There's also a section about immunisations needed when travelling abroad.
Patients can enquire at the reception desk for their unique PIN number and will then need the practice ID number, the web access id and their NHS number.
But patients are warned that the surgery reserves the right to stop access to the system if they believe it is being used irresponsibly, for example by any patient who is serially making and cancelling online appointments over using the system or frequently compromising their own security.
Janet Bax, chairman of the Dacorum Patients' Group, said: "The facility will suit patients who are unable to visit the surgery or those for whom telephoning would interfere with their working day. However patients for whom discourse with a member of the reception staff would be preferable, often the elderly or those with complicated conditions, or for those who do not have access to the internet, direct contact must be maintained. If the two systems could operate in tandem, I can see no objections."
Other members of the committee agreed that online appointments were a 'real benefit' because they could allow you to pick a time and with a doctor of choice. Yet others reported that it was a good way to avoid the 8.30am scramble when surgery doors open. Forum members felt 'empathy' with people who do not have internet access and could be put at a disadvantage by people who could make a booking at any time.
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Wednesday 08 February 2012
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