GP Online service saves unnecessary trips to your GP
Local GPs are encouraging patients across the Vale of York to sign up to a free, online service that allows everyone registered with a GP access to a range of services via your computer of mobile.
GP online enables users to:
- book or cancel appointments online with a GP or nurse
- renew or order repeat prescriptions online
- view parts of your GP health record, including information about medication, allergies, vaccinations, previous illnesses and test results
Dr Tim Maycock, GP Lead for Primary Care at NHS Vale of York Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG), said: “Ordering repeat prescriptions remotely can save you time by saving you unnecessary trips to your GP.
“GP Online makes it possible for your prescriptions to be sent electronically to the pharmacy or dispenser of your choice.”
This means, you will no longer have to collect a paper repeat prescription from your GP practice and instead you can go straight to the nominated pharmacy or dispensing appliance contractor to pick up your medicines or medical appliances.
Because your pharmacist has already received your electronic prescription, they may be able to prepare your items in advance, so you just have to pick it up with no extra wait. However, this will depend on the capacity of pharmacists on the day and may not be possible all the time.
Dr Tim Maycock added: “To sign up, simply tell your GP practice that you would like to start using their online service.
“A member of the practice will then ask you to fill in a short form and you will have to provide photo ID and proof of address. If you do not have any ID then either a member of staff will have to confirm your identity or you may have to answer questions about personal information in your GP record.
“Once you have signed up, you will receive a letter with your unique username and password and a link to where you can log in.”
If you aren’t very internet savvy there are a number of different services for people who need internet training such as UK online centres. Others are provided by local authorities, colleges and charities. The best place to start would be your local library.
Get tips on this website to help you become a more confident internet user, including how to keep yourself and others safe online.
For more information about GP Online please visit www.nhs.uk/GPonlineservices.
