An NHS GP who frequently features on television programmes, including BBC Breakfast and ITV News, has shared methods patients can use to bypass the infamous ‘8am rush’ when trying to reach their GP surgery. Dr Ellie Cannon explains that, through NHS digital resources, patients can gain better control over managing their healthcare and avoid the early morning chaos – from online forms on GP websites to the NHS App.

A prominent NHS GP and frequent media contributor on channels like BBC Breakfast and ITV News has unveiled strategies to help patients sidestep the notorious ‘8am rush’ for contacting their GP practices. Dr. Ellie Cannon highlights the use of NHS digital tools, suggesting patients can better manage their healthcare and avoid the morning scramble by utilizing online forms available on GP websites and the NHS App.

Dr. Ellie Cannon, a practicing NHS GP with a background in medicine from Cambridge University, is also a noted author, columnist, and broadcaster. She emphasizes that these “easy-to-use” and “convenient” digital options not only save time but also help free up phone lines at GP offices for those who prefer to call or are unable to use digital methods.

Her recommendations are timely, following an NHS survey indicating that half of the population would prefer to use an online form to schedule a GP appointment. Nevertheless, the survey, reported by Lancs Live, also highlights a significant gap in the adoption of digital solutions for managing personal healthcare.

The survey data further reveals that while most people have the NHS App on their devices, only about a third (34%) have used it to access their health records, and just (31%) have used it for managing repeat prescriptions in the past six months.

Avoid the 8am scramble and go online for any non-urgent health concerns

Dr Ellie Cannon explained: “Mornings are frantic enough, whether you’re getting ready for work or doing the school run, so it’s not always practical to call your GP practice at 8am on the dot. Instead, you can use your GP practice’s website anytime during working hours for any non-urgent requests, and you can explain what you need in your own time, describe your symptoms or follow up about something. The online forms are secure, managed by the same team at your GP practice, and you’ll usually hear back from the team within one working day.”

A triage form is a structured questionnaire, usually accessible online, which healthcare practitioners such as GPs or urgent care staff use to gather information about patients’ symptoms and other pertinent details. This enables them to assess the urgency of a patient’s situation and the suitable course of action – including whether an appointment is necessary, be it by telephone, video call, or face-to-face.

Cath McLennan, Senior Informatics and Tech Administrator at Bay Medical Group in Lancashire and NHS App ambassador, reports that GP online forms and the NHS App have cut call waiting times at the surgery from 75 minutes to 29 minutes, illustrating how much time these digital resources can conserve, while creating capacity for those who need to telephone the practice to do so more conveniently.

Cath has also established an ‘IT Clinic’ at the surgery, where she schedules appointments with patients and devotes focused time to addressing and solving their technical questions. She also makes a special effort to connect with the community and delivers presentations about using the App to local organisations.

“Using digital tools like your GP surgery website and the NHS App is so valuable, both to patients and GP practices alike,” she said. “Patients submit online forms at their own convenience during the day, which are then assessed by a team of clinicians to ensure the best possible care is provided.

“For patients who use the App, their health journey is enhanced with a wide range of information about their health and features like requesting repeat prescriptions on the go. For us, these services have more than halved our morning call wait times and allow patients to access care in their own time, while allowing people with urgent queries or who can’t use online services more opportunities to get through. It’s a win win! That’s why I’m so passionate about spreading the word to make everyone’s lives easier.”

Don’t delay reporting symptoms

“The quicker you tell your GP practice what’s going on, the faster the team can direct you to the right care, whether that’s a GP, nurse, pharmacist, self-care guidance or referral to a specialist service. So, when you send your symptoms or requests through your GP practice’s website, the team will be in touch within one working day with the advice for your specific need”, she added.

Use the NHS App to manage your health at home or on the go

The television medic said: “Most of us have the App on our phones already, but how many are really making the most of it? You can now manage your health wherever you are, whether you’re on your way to work, at the supermarket or while watching TV. Simply tap the App and you can request repeat prescriptions, manage appointments and more.

“When you switch on notifications, you’ll also get reminders about appointments and alerts when test results are ready. It’s ideal for those who already manage their banking and shopping on their phone, so why not their health?”.

Keep your medicines up to date

Dr Ellie Cannon urges individuals to verify their medication is up to date, especially if they’re planning a weekend away or their supplies are running low. “You can use the NHS App to order repeat prescriptions within a few taps and track them just like an online shopping order,” she explained.

Service Access Campaign Credit Dr Ellie Cannon is supporting the NHS initiative, which urges people to use the full range of NHS services and seek suitable care at the right location and at the right time, whilst ensuring more critical services remain accessible for those most in need. This encompasses contacting your GP surgery via the website to help avoid the ‘8am rush’, using NHS 111 for urgent health concerns, using community pharmacies for minor complaints, and using the NHS App to request repeat prescriptions and organise appointments.

Visit the NHS website for additional information on services available to you.