Have your say on future digital health support

Tameside and Glossop residents are being encouraged to take part in a survey on digital alternatives for healthcare appointments.

The Improving Access to Primary Care in Tameside and Glossop six-week consultation has begun.

It will look at alternative ways patients can see their GP, doctor or health professional.

Findings from the consultation will support how the Digitally Enhanced Primary Care Strategy is implemented - including in areas like how patients access digital appointments who don’t have the necessary skills or equipment.

Currently, the most popular way of getting to see a GP, doctor or other healthcare professional is by going to the local surgery for a face-to-face appointment but alternative ways of accessing a health professional are being explored amid ever-changing needs and different requirements. 

Aside from face-to-face appointments, patients can currently speak with a health professional online, over the phone or through a video consultation.

Cllr Eleanor Wills, Tameside Council executive member for Population Health and Social Care, said: “Through this consultation we want to understand the views of patients and their views on how digital solutions are used in access to primary care. We want to understand how people feel about the way they access our local health services and make sure they receive as much choice when doing so as possible.”

Anyone looking to take part in the consultation should visit https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/improvingaccesstoprimarycareTandG.

Paper copies will also be available in GP surgeries across Tameside and Glossop.