What digital NHS tools and services are available?
What services are available in primary care?
Your GP practice may have a website where you can find specific information related to your practice. You can find this by searching the internet with a web browser and typing in the name of your practice. This website might detail opening hours, location and contact details. It may also detail services and clinics available or practice news.
- Repeat prescription ordering (only available in some practices / for some types of medication)
There are now ways to order your repeat prescriptions online. You can have your prescription sent electronically to a pharmacy or dispenser of your choice. This means you no longer need to collect a paper prescription from your GP surgery. You can then collect your medicines from a pharmacy or have them delivered to your home (where available).- Online appointment booking
Your GP practice may allow you to book, check or cancel an upcoming routine appointment online. This could be for an appointment with a GP, nurse, or other healthcare professional. You will have to ask your GP practice whether they offer the service. You would then register for it by completing a form and the practice would give you further instructions. Near Me is a video consulting service. It enables people to have health and social care appointments from home or wherever is convenient. All you need is a device for making video calls like a smartphone and an internet connection. Near Me is a secure form of video consulting approved for use by the Scottish Government and NHS Scotland. You do not need to download an App or create an account. Watch: How to use Near Me (3min 36seconds). This video will give you an overview of how Near Me works.Connect Me is the national remote
monitoring system used by several NHS services. It enables information about
your health and wellbeing to be shared with the healthcare professionals
looking after you. This may be to share measurements such as blood pressure,
weight or pulse. Answers to questions about how you are feeling or symptoms you
have. It may be a questionnaire to find out more about you when you are
referred to a clinic before your appointment.
It can
also send you reminders or advice to help you take care of yourself.
You
may be able to use Connect Me via the following options. Internet or app, SMS
text messages or an automated telephone call using the key pad on your phone or
mobile.
More
information on Connect Me here.
- Online mental health support
The computerised Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (cCBT) service is a highly effective intervention now available throughout Scotland. Speak to your GP to find out what is available in your area.
For example, you can access Silvercloud for free. This is a platform which offers structed programmes for your wellbeing. Including
mental health, resilience, stress and sleep. Go to Silvercloud.
The NHS also provides a service called Breathing Space. This
is a free, confidential, phone and webchat service for anyone in Scotland over
the age of 16 experiencing low mood, depression or anxiety. Call 0800 83 85 87
or visit Breathing Space here.
In some areas in Scotland there is a service called ‘No Delays’. This service allows a GP or a specialist to ‘prescribe’ a video package. When you return home from a consultation you receive a personal email. It contains short videos introducing the condition and the team who will be working with you. The videos feature patients who have had the same condition, they explain in personal terms how they have coped. - Online triage / GP access
Some GP practices in Scotland use various online triage services, such as eConsult or AskMyGP. These services give you the option to fill in an online consultation form with details of your symptoms or requests. Some will also allow you to give this information by phone. You then send this form to your GP for their review. In return, you will instantly get NHS self-help information or signposting to services. You will also get bespoke advice from your GP once they have reviewed your submission.- Test results over the phone
For some test results, you don’t need to wait for a letter to come by post. You also don’t need to call the GP practice, within working hours, to get your results. Instead, a service called ‘Netcall’ enables you to ring a number to find out the results of any recent medical tests. This is available at any time and can be accessed from any phone. The service is fully confidential. It helps nurses to have more time to call those whose test results raise concerns or who might need additional support. 
