eConsult enables NHS based GP practices to offer online consultations to their patients. This allows patients to submit their symptoms or requests to their own GP electronically, and offers around the clock NHS self-help information, signposting to services, and a symptom checker.

eConsult is the most widely used digital triage tool in NHS primary care, built by NHS GPs for NHS patients, designed to enhance patient access, improve practice efficiencies and signpost patients to the right place at the right time for their care. Live in over 3013 NHS practices, eConsult gives millions of patients access to their own GP online.

eConsult is easy for patients and practices

eConsult lets you consult with your NHS GP online by completing a quick form that is sent and reviewed by the practice. You can also be directed to patient self-help, pharmacy advice and local self-referral services.

What happens to my eConsult?

When you submit an eConsult, we have a dedicated team that triages the consultation and allocates your eConsult to the clinician or person most appropriate for the problem described. This may be a GP, Nurse, Pharmacist, Physiotherapist or another member of the surgery team who is most experienced and trained to deal with it. Some eConsults are simple administration requests and are dealt with as such. Your eConsult is actioned within the agreed timescales by the clinician or person it has been allocated to, and a response sent directly to you either by email, text message or phone call. 

1. All eConsults received into a dedicated inbox

2. Clinicians triage eConsults based on categories:

• Urgent
• Routine
• Admin
• Physio
• Pharmacist

3. Appointments allocated based on triage

You'll wonder how you did without it

• Patients may not need a trip to the surgery and their query may be resolved with a phone call
• There is no need to change surgery to get digital first access. Patients complete an online GP consultation with their own practice when they need to
  Medical advice is available 24/7 even when the practice is closed – Patients can check their health symptoms online and receive on the spot medical advice and treatment guidance thanks to NHS content
• Patients will get a response from their own NHS GP practice by the end of the next working day or sooner
• Access wherever and whenever patients want from any device. Unlike a telephone call patients can complete an eConsult at a pace that suits them, without taking up practice time
• Patients can request sick notes and test results without the need for an appointment saving patient and practice time

We understand that some patients may have concerns that they may not be able to access this service. However, our dedicated team is here to provide any assistance you may need in navigating digital platforms for accessing our services. Whether you're seeking help with appointment scheduling, prescription requests, or requests, we're always happy to help.

And we're ready to support you in embracing the digital tools available, which are designed to make access easier and available to all. Don't hesitate to reach out – we're here to ensure that your journey with us, both in-person and online, is as smooth and reassuring as possible. Your health is our priority, and so is your ease of access to our care.