Dear Patients,
Six weeks ago, we introduced a new online consultation system, PATCHS, at Barlow Medical Centre. Today, we’re writing to share some updates and insights on how the implementation has gone.
A Successful Transition
The response to PATCHS from our patients has been overwhelmingly positive. We’ve seen a significant drop in the number of patients calling us at 8am, which has allowed us to handle urgent medical issues more efficiently. This change is a testament to the convenience and effectiveness of PATCHS in enhancing your access to our services.
Your Feedback Matters
The patient experience is at the heart of our services. We’re delighted to report that, based on feedback from over 1,000 of our patients, PATCHS has received an average rating of 4 out of 5. This indicates a high level of satisfaction, and we are grateful for your support and constructive feedback, which are crucial in our pursuit of excellence.
We also realise that there is room for improvement, and we collated some common niggles and frequently asked questions about PATCHS here. If you are having difficulty with the system or you are unhappy with it, it is well worth a read:
Reminder on How to Use PATCHS
For those who may need a refresher on using PATCHS:
Registration: If you haven’t yet registered, you can do so via the NHS App using your NHS Login, or directly through PATCHS on our website.
Accessing PATCHS: Once registered, you can use PATCHS by selecting ‘Ask your GP for Medical Advice’ under the ‘Services’ section in the NHS App; or alternatively via our website. PATCHS will guide you through a few simple questions to understand your health concern.
Available Services: Whether it’s a new or existing health problem, fit notes, medication queries, or administrative needs, PATCHS will help you contact us in a convenient and efficient way. The ‘New or Exisiting Health Problem’ forms are available from 7am until 10am every weekday, and the remainder of the forms are available all day during practice hours. These timeframes help us manage the volume of requests in a safe and efficient manner, and allow us to provide the required care in a safe and timely fashion.
Support and Assistance: If you encounter any issues or require assistance with PATCHS, please don’t hesitate to contact our reception team 0161 445 9000, who will be happy to help.
Looking Ahead: We are continuously exploring ways to enhance PATCHS and your overall healthcare experience with us. Your health and convenience remain our top priorities, and we look forward to serving you with improved and innovative solutions.
Thank you for embracing this new technology, and we look forward to further improvements in future.
Warm regards,
Barlow Medical Centre