Virtual doctors appointments in Kent and Medway are popular, survey shows
11:32, 03 October 2020
updated: 11:34, 03 October 2020
Virtual NHS appointments have proved popular with patients in the county, a survey has revealed.
The move from face-to-face appointments was brought in due to the Covid-19 pandemic, but has been a hit with the majority of people asked.
The NHS Kent and Medway Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) asked 3,000 patients, frontline staff, clinicians and local communities their views on the switch.
Results showed more than 1,100 people had taken part in a telephone consultation dur lockdown, with 83% being "quite or very satisfied" with the change, while 86% of people had a video appointment felt the same.
One anonymous patient said they felt "listened to and less rushed than a clinic" when called by a consultant and found not having to travel was helpful.
While another patient, who is deaf, wasn't happy with the service because they rely on lip-reading the GP's words.
The CCG's clinical chair, Dr Navin Kumta, said: “This was an important exercise to gain an insight into the dramatic changes that took place within the NHS during the peak of Covid-19.
'There’s also a clear message that virtual appointments cannot be the only option.'
"We wanted to collect initial feedback to help us make decisions about restarting services while coronavirus is still present, as well as to plan for the future improvement of services.
“In order to keep both staff and patients safe, it was important to move to more virtual appointments and I’m pleased the results show the majority of people were happy with this change.
"But there’s also a clear message that virtual appointments cannot be the only option.”
The Doctor reiterated the need for people to do all they can as we head in to winter with Covid-19 cases rising.
He added: “The NHS is working extremely hard to restart services and we must make sure we communicate that.
"Many staff and patients reported being overwhelmed with information during the height of the pandemic so that is a lesson for the future.
"As we head into winter and with Covid-19 cases increasing, we need to make sure we are doing all we can to support the healthcare system to look after our communities.”
The full report can be viewed here.
