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NHS Skype

NHS to offer GPs consultations at home via Skype

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By John Glenday, Reporter

October 1, 2013 | 2 min read

The NHS is to implement plans to make GP's available to patients between 8am and 8pm seven days a week, together with consultations at home via Skype, phone or email under new plans announced by health secretary Jeremy Hunt.

A seven-day pilot scheme next year ahead of a full nationwide rollout, which will give patients greater flexibility in arranging check-ups.

Hunt will say later today: “We live in a 24/7 society and we need GP's to find new ways of working so they can offer appointments at times that suit hardworking people.

“Cutting edge GP practices here in Manchester are leading the way, and we want many more patients across the country to benefit.”

Chief inspector of GP's Prof Steve Field added: “This move towards seven day services is great news for patients, and should be embraced by GP's. I want to see brilliant access to GP services for patients across the country, and will be assessing this in each practice I inspect.”

Some GP's are expected to express concern however that they do not have the resources to offer evening and weekend appointments to all patients in their area.

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