Four Mid Ulster GPs to offer online services

Four GP practices across Cookstown and the south Derry area have signed up to online booking services for doctors appointments or ordering repeat prescriptions.
You can book to see your doctor online at some GPsYou can book to see your doctor online at some GPs
You can book to see your doctor online at some GPs

Launched today by Health Minister Michelle O’Neill, she said she hopes online access to such services can help improve patient experience and reduce bureaucracy in primary care services.

Oaks Family Practice, Cookstown Health Centre, Garden Street Surgery & Bellaghyh Medical Centre and Castledawson Surgery are so far the only practices that offer this option in the area, but maybe more will follow suit.

“Modern information technology offers us tremendous potential to improve how we interact with people to improve services for them,” said Minister O’Neill.

“It will not only be more convenient for patients but will also save GP practices time and resources in dealing with appointment booking and repeat prescriptions.

“Since April 2016, 93,910 GP appointments have been booked and 547,715 prescriptions have been ordered online.

“It is clear these services are needed and well used already, so this expansion is particularly welcome.

“Since my appointment as Health Minister I have continually urged the health service to seek out what works well and replicate it where possible – this is a perfect example.”

For details on how the system works see www.nidirect.gov.uk/gp.