A new campaign launching today (Tuesday, 3 December) from NHS Mid and South Essex is raising awareness of different ways residents can access care and support, helping them get quicker, easier access to the local healthcare information and services they need.

With an average of 557,000 appointments taking place in local GP practices every month, healthcare teams are providing more appointments year on year. "Get the care you need quicker" goes one step further, informing residents about the many ways they can get quicker, more efficient access to local NHS and community services, in many cases without having to contact their GP practice.

The campaign website at www.midandsouthessex.ics.nhs.uk/getcarequicker has tips and advice to help residents get the care they need.

This includes making the most of digital platforms like the NHS App, taking appointments with one of the many healthcare professionals providing care in GP practices, and making use of healthcare services you can refer yourself into without having to contact your surgery.

Using local healthcare services in this way not only helps patients get the care they need quicker it also frees up GP appointments so they can treat patients with more complex care needs.

GP Partner Dr Taz Syed is encouraging more patients to use these tips to access the care they need.

Dr Taz Syed

He said: "Thanks to hardworking teams, thousands more appointments are being delivered every month compared to previous years, and plans are in place to make it easier for patients to access the care they need. 

"All GP practices are upgrading how they work to help bring an end to the 8am scramble for appointments and make sure patients can get the right care at the right time, regardless of how they contact their practice. Part of the plan is to promote all the ways that patients can get help - often without needing to pick up the phone at all.  

"I am pleased to support this campaign that seeks to promote services that will help people get the care they need quicker.

"I encourage all patients to take these opportunities to access services differently, because not only will they benefit from getting the care they need more quickly, but it also supports us working at the surgery."

Here are some of the ways that patients can access care more quickly and easily:

1.  Use digital tools to access care

The NHS App makes it much easier for patients to access their healthcare information and book services when it's convenient for them. New developments in the NHS App mean patients can access their health records, find out test results, book appointments and order repeat prescriptions.

Other online tools, such as the NHS and local GP practice websites can help people manage their health and discover what services are local to them. Many practices across mid and south Essex are using online consultation platforms so patients can contact their practice without needing to come into the surgery or wait on the phone. All patients are triaged the same way, regardless of how they book their appointments.

1.  Refer yourself

Residents can now refer themselves to a range of healthcare and wellbeing services without needing an appointment at their GP surgery. This route can offer quicker access to a range of services, from physiotherapy to mental health support, making it easier than ever to get the help they need.

1.  Visit a pharmacy

Local pharmacies offer an easy and convenient way to get clinical advice on a range of conditions. Patients do not need an appointment and can be seen in a private consultation room, if needed. Pharmacists have the right clinical training to make sure patients get the help they need. They can also provide medicines for some common health conditions, such as sore throats, conjunctivitis, earache and shingles. Pharmacists also offer blood pressure checks, vaccinations, contraceptive health, and wider health and wellbeing advice.

1.  See a wider team of experts at your GP surgery

More healthcare professionals are being recruited to work alongside GPs at local practices delivering care and support. Having access to a range of professionals means you will receive the most appropriate care as quickly as possible.

Local resident Peter Blackman is already benefiting from using these tips to access healthcare. He was suffering with hip and knee issues. He had an excellent experience after calling his surgery and booking an appointment with a physiotherapist. He says:

"I received an appointment quickly with a specialist. I felt that the assessment process was really thorough. The physiotherapist listened closely to my needs. I was pleased and relieved when they were able to send me directly for an x-ray with a referral to a hospital specialist. 

"Fortunately, a diagnosis was made and the next thing I knew, I was on a waiting list for a necessary operation. I felt reassured by the whole process and by the kindness of the NHS staff that I met along the way."

What really made a difference to Peter's journey was that he felt in control because of the self-referral option.

He added: "Everyone says patients know themselves best. Allowing us to make our own informed referrals into a well-resourced community health centre enables effective triage and treatment."

To discover more about how NHS Mid and South Essex is helping you to get the care you need quicker, visit: www.midandsouthessex.ics.nhs.uk/getcarequicker