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24
Jul 2020
Huge rise in virtual GP appointments
Patients are being urged not to delay making doctor's appointments, as the number of video consultations being held has soared during the coronavirus pandemic.
More than 17,500 virtual appointments have been held between GPs and patients over the last four months in North Yorkshire, following government guidance to reduce the number of face-to-face consultations to only those which are essential.
However, NHS North Yorkshire and York Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) said some people have been avoiding contacting their GP with health concerns in order to avoid contact. It urged people not to delay appointments and said video consultations are a safe way to have any potential problems addressed.
CCG clinical chair Dr Charles Parker said:
Dr Parker said patients can use NHS11 Online to get advice on whether home treatment is appropriate, or if a pharmacy or GP practice could help. Anyone in doubt can still contact their GP practice in the usual way and arrange a telephone, video or face-to-face appointment, depending on their symptoms and circumstances.
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Of the 77 GP practices across North Yorkshire, 44 conducted their first video consultations in March and April, as lockdown began. Only a few had offered the service before.
One Harrogate patient, who has not been named, has described her virtual appointment and treatment. She said:
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