Online appointments with GPs are helping stop the spread of COVID-19.

The out-of-hours service, commissioned by Trafford’s NHS Clinical Commissioning Group, is allowing patients to see their GP from the comfort of their own home.

By avoiding face to face appointments, important social distancing measures are being adhered to; protecting GPs and patients and helping to slow the spread of coronavirus.

When anyone in Trafford calls NHS 111 overnight or at weekends, they are fed

through to the borough’s ‘out-of-hours’ provider, Mastercall, and a growing

number of patients are being deemed suitable for a video consultation

with a Mastercall GP.

Statistics show there has been around a 50 per cent increase in these types of consultations in Trafford during the out-of-hours period (which runs from 6.30pm-8am Monday to Friday and 6.30pm Friday to 8am Monday over the weekend).

Dr Mark Jarvis, medical director at NHS Trafford CCG, said: “These are

unprecedented times for all of us and we know how important it is for us to

observe social distancing rules to help to slow this pandemic.

“We’ve all seen an increase in the use of technology to stay connected socially.

But it has never been more important to make technology work for our patients and I’m pleased to see the public working with us to make the best of it.”

While many calls have been coronavirus-related, patients inevitably still require medical advice on issues such as rashes, breathlessness and throat

examinations.

Dr Jarvis added: “We want patients to receive the usual top quality care while

ensuring the risk of coronavirus is minimised. Video consultations are great as

they enable GPs to see patients and diagnose their illness.

“This also means people who are self-isolating can still consult a GP for other

illnesses out of hours, which is very important.”

Trafford residents should download the QHealth app which would help with the connection of a video consultation should they need to access out-of-hours services.

It can be downloaded via Google Play or the Apple store on your phone or visit https://qhealth.io/faq for more information.

If you have symptoms of coronavirus (a high temperature or a new, continuous

cough), use the 111 coronavirus service.

If you need medical help or advice not related to coronavirus:

For health information and advice, use the NHS website or your GP

surgery website

For urgent medical help, use the NHS 111 online service – only call 111

if you’re unable to get help online

For life-threatening emergencies, call 999 for an ambulance

Read more advice about getting medical help at home.