Moffat GPs to move to digital system

PATIENTS wishing to see a GP in Moffat will soon have to use a new online system to book an appointment.

From Monday March 2, Lochmaben Medical Group, who run the surgery in Moffat, will be using the eConsult digital service for all consultation requests.

The GPs say it will be a ‘new and improved way’ to book a slot, offering more convenience and flexibility than trying to call on the phone.

And they hope it will enhance patient care and reduce waiting times.

EConsult is used by some other surgeries locally as an online tool through which people can submit their health concerns.

However, Moffat will be using it for all their appointment requests, which will be handled and triaged by one of the doctors, or a member of the healthcare team.

Based on the information provided, the patient will receive advice, a prescription, or an urgent/routine appointment to discuss their condition.

Leaflets to further explain the system are available from the practice, along with video tutorials on their website. And, they held a drop in information and demonstration session earlier this week, with another one planned for Tuesday afternoon, between 2-4 pm.

Reassurances have been given that support will also be in place for the elderly, vulnerable, those with disabilities or language barriers, and with no internet access.

Requests should be made to the reception team.

Dr David Gibson said: “We are excited about the launch of this new service, and we believe it will greatly improve the accessibility and efficiency of healthcare for our patients.

“We encourage everyone to visit our website, watch the instructional videos, and sign up for our drop-in sessions to get started.”

Dr Gibson also explained that the changes are already in place and working well at Lochmaben, where it has been running since November.

He added: “Given the success of this we have decided to roll it out at Moffat too.

“In our first week of econsult at Lochmaben, we had an increase of 36.5 per cent in face to face appointments compared to the same week pre-covid.

“All of our econsults have been reviewed and processed by duty GP same day. It truly has changed our access, improved continuity and reduced the ‘8 am rush’.”