eConsult

Why does Abernethy House Surgery use eConsult?

We use eConsult to help manage patient requests safely and fairly. It allows our clinical team to review each request and direct patients to the most appropriate person, such as a GP, nurse, clinical pharmacist, paramedic, GP trainee or physician associate.

Do I have to use eConsult to get an appointment?

You can submit an eConsult form through our website. If you are unable to complete the form yourself, you can call reception and a member of the team will help you complete it.

Why are eConsult forms so long?

The form asks detailed questions so the clinician has enough information to assess your request safely. This helps us decide how urgent the problem is and which clinician or service is best placed to help.

Who reviews my eConsult?

All eConsults are reviewed by a clinician. Your request may then be dealt with by a GP, nurse, clinical pharmacist, paramedic, GP trainee, physician associate, secretary or another appropriate member of the practice team.

How quickly will my eConsult be reviewed?

All submitted eConsult forms are clinically triaged within 24 hours. You will usually be informed of the outcome on the same day or the following working day.

Will I get a face-to-face appointment?

You may be offered a face-to-face appointment if this is clinically appropriate. We offer both face-to-face and telephone appointments depending on your symptoms, your preference and clinical need.

Will I get a telephone appointment instead?

Some problems can be safely managed by telephone. The clinician triaging your request will decide whether a telephone or face-to-face appointment is most appropriate.

Can I choose which GP I see?

You can request to see a particular GP, but there may be a longer wait depending on that GP’s availability. For more urgent problems, you may be offered an appointment with another suitable clinician.

What happens if all appointments are full?

We offer a set number of routine and emergency appointments each day. If all available appointments are full and your problem cannot safely wait, you may be advised to contact NHS 111 or be offered an appointment at a local hub, depending on clinical need.

Is eConsult only for medical problems?

No. eConsult can also be used for some administrative requests. These may be passed to the most appropriate member of the practice team, such as a GP or secretary.

Why can’t appointments just be first come, first served?

A first-come, first-served system does not always prioritise patients with the greatest clinical need. eConsult allows us to assess requests based on urgency and direct patients to the right care more safely.

What if I cannot use the internet?

Please call reception. A receptionist can help you complete the eConsult form over the phone so your request can still be reviewed by the clinical team.

Can reception book me directly with a GP?

Reception may need to help complete an eConsult first so your request can be clinically triaged. This ensures appointments are allocated according to clinical need and to the most appropriate clinician.

Will I be able to change my appointment?

You will be informed of the appointment offered. You may be able to change the time or date depending on availability.

How does eConsult help patients?

eConsult helps us manage demand, prioritise urgent problems, use the full clinical team effectively, and offer appointments based on clinical need rather than simply who contacts the surgery first.