PATIENTS TO BENEFIT FROM DIGITAL REVOLUTION IN GP SURGERIES

PATIENTS TO BENEFIT FROM DIGITAL REVOLUTION IN GP SURGERIES

A digital revolution in primary health care will allow patients to access their health records, request GP appointments and order repeat prescriptions from anywhere with an internet connection.

The Patient Portal, which was launched by Health Secretary Nicola Sturgeon today in two GP practices in Irvine and Kilwinning, allows patients to access a secure website on which they can easily undertake tasks which would previously have required a trip to the surgery.

As well as accessing and updating their records and managing appointments and prescriptions, patients will be able to monitor their own health status, by accessing test results, record and tracking their blood pressure, setting targets for weight, smoking cessation or other health goals, and recording and tracking blood sugar levels.

Welcoming the launch of the pilot, SNP MSP and former GP Ian McKee said:

“This is an exciting development which could herald the start of a new relationship between patients and their GPs. The Patient Portal not only offers speed, convenience and ease of use, it also empowers patients to become genuine partners in their own care.

“Being able to use the Patient Portal to monitor key health indicators such as blood pressure and to set and track personal goals for health improvement puts the patient in charge.

"Previous projects of this type have been a big hit with patients, GPs and practice staff alike. I'm sure that the Kilwinning and Irvine pilots will also prove to be a success and pave the way for GP surgeries across Scotland.

“The Patient Portal pilot is just one element of a major investment in eHealth by this Scottish Government and demonstrates the SNP’s commitment to ensuring that Scotland’s NHS will be at the forefront of exploiting new technologies to the benefit of Scotland’s patients.”