All initial GP consultations should now happen on phone or online, Matt Hancock announces
Matt Hancock has announced all future GP consultations in England should be done remotely over the phone or video unless there is a “compelling” clinical reason for in-person appointments.
The health secretary said in the four weeks leading up to 12 April – the initial days of the coronavirus lockdown – over 70 per cent of routine GP consultations were delivered remotely, and just 26 per cent face-to-face.
“In the same period a year ago, this was reversed, with 71 per cent face-to-face and 25 per cent remotely,” the cabinet minister said.
Speaking at the Royal College of Physicians on the future of health care, Mr Hancock said health care staff should also be able to use secure messaging service such as WhatsApp to speak with both colleagues and patients “where the benefits outweigh the risks”.
“Of course there always has to be a system for people who can’t log on. But we should patronise older people by saying they don’t do tech,” he added.
“The feedback from this transformation has been hugely positive. And especially valued by doctors in rural areas, who saw how it could save long travel times for doctors and patients.”
Confirming the considerable switch to remote appointments would not be a temporary measure for the Covid-19 crisis, Mr Hancock continued: “So from now on, all consultations should be teleconsulations unless there’s a compelling clinical reason not to. Of course, if there’s an emergency, the NHS will be ready and waiting to see you in person – just as it always has been.
“But if they are able to, patients should get in contact first – via the web or by calling in advance. That way, care is easier to manage and the NHS can deliver a much better service.”
Speaking on Thursday, the health secretary also vowed to “bust bureaucracy” in the NHS, adding: “Barnacle-like encrustation of rules and regulations as been disempowering to many brilliant, highly-motivated frontline staff who just want to get on with caring for patients.
“For example, we made clear that it’s fine to use secure messaging services like WhatsApp to share information with colleagues or patients where the benefits outweigh the risks."
