MORE than 40,000 e-consultations have taken place via the latest technology during the pandemic.

E-consultations, video chats with GPs and online forms have all helped patients be seen quickly and safely.

In the past 12 weeks since the start of the pandemic, 43,491 eConsults have been submitted by patients in Warrington.

Dr Andrew Davies, clinical chief officer for NHS Halton Clinical Commissioning Group and NHS Warrington Clinical Commissioning Group, said: “We want to thank local surgeries who have worked tirelessly to ensure that appropriate and effective changes have been put in place in response to the pandemic.

“While the implementation of video and online consultations has been successful and for many has improved access, we acknowledge that some patients have been inconvenienced through experiencing longer waiting times when calling their local surgery.

Warrington Guardian:

Dr Andy Davies

“Please accept our thanks for your patience and your continued support and understanding.

“As the risk from the pandemic reduces and lockdown restrictions start easing, we are continuing to work closely with surgeries through our primary care networks.

“We are carefully considering how to reintroduce services while maintaining social distancing and ensuring the risk to patients and colleagues in general practice is minimised.

However it is still important that patients only attend their local surgery when they have a booked appointment.”

While the pandemic has also seen difficult challenges for the health service, the past 12 weeks have seen both patients and GP practices benefiting from some of the technology that has been implemented.

One example is eConsult which is an online form that patients can complete on their surgery website to contact the practice.

The form can be completed at a time that is convenient for patients and they can get a quick response from their practice (usually within 48 hours).

It also helps practices to handle patient queries safely and effectively.

Patients who live in Warrington’s care homes have also been able to access regular video consultations with their GP.

By patients, care homes and GPs being able to keep in regular contact during the pandemic, it has supported the health and wellbeing of patients during a difficult time.