Hampshire GP surgeries try out new technology
Health bosses insist it's not replacing a doctor or nurse
GP practices across south east Hampshire have a new resource in their efforts to improve their services to patients – a SurgeryPod.
Most GP practices in Fareham, Gosport, Havant, Waterlooville, Petersfield and the east Hampshire areas have the innovative technology up-and-running as part of a £390,000 investment over five years.
SurgeryPod, from Microtech Health, is an easy-to-use secure computer system which accurately records patient data and takes readings, such as weight and blood pressure measurements.
SurgeryPods enable patients - without clinical supervision or having to make an appointment - to perform their own checks such as blood pressure, weight, pulse and alcohol usage, and their information is then instantaneously and securely updated into their medical records and can be immediately viewed by doctors and nurses.
This means that when they start their face-to-face consultation, the patient’s doctor will already have this key information giving them more time to discuss your health.
People use the touch-screen instructions in 19 languages to log on and are guided through the process to record their information one step at a time.
Dr Zaid Hirmiz, a GP at Horndean who is Clinical Director (South East Hampshire) for NHS Hampshire, Southampton and Isle of Wight Clinical Commissioning Group, said: “SurgeryPods will give patients more quality face-to-face time with their doctor, which is one of the main things we regularly hear that our patients want.
“It also helps people avoid appointment times which may not be convenient to them. They can simply pop into their own surgery during any of its usual opening times.
“SurgeryPods are not a replacement for your doctor or nurse but an additional resource for our GP practices to give you the most appropriate attention when you need it – and sometimes faster than we could before.
“If you do have any difficulty, a member of the reception team would be happy to help you.”