Healthcare groups launch online GP booking systems

The changes are part of a number of digital upgrades.

An online booking system has been introduced by Guernsey GPs in a bid to make booking appointments simpler and more convenient for patients.

The move is part of a series of digital upgrades, which also saw a separate electronic patient record system being introduced in Guernsey and Alderney in June.

GP provider Island Health said the technology would make healthcare more "accessible and convenient", while The Healthcare Group said it would free up staff and make booking appointments easier.

Dr Ed Partridge, from The Healthcare Group, said: "Online booking gives patients more control over how and when they book appointments and for many it's a much more convenient option."

He added: "For us, it frees up valuable time behind the scenes which means we can focus more energy where it matters most, on patient care."

The system, called Medicus, is already used by a number of GP practices in the UK.

Dr Michael Long, from Island Health, said the new system would free up reception staff "to support patients who need more complex assistance".

"This will help us improve the experience for everyone," he said.

'Noticeable improvements'

Dr Partridge described the launch as a "major milestone" in efforts to modernise services.

"Since Medicus launched, we have already seen a significant reduction in administrative pressures and a noticeable improvement in patient experience and this is just the start," he said.

Island Health allows patients to book GP appointments online as well as other services like physiotherapy, blood tests and dermatology.

Healthcare Group currently only allows booking online for standard GP appointments, but said it planned to expand the service over the coming months.