Some patients in Sheffield are facing ‘significant barriers’ to accessing GP practices online, a new report has said.
The report is the work of Healthwatch Sheffield, who set up a GP website health check, which analysed 74 GP practice websites, finding a widely varying picture across the city.
Members of the public have said that they struggle to contact their GP practice by phone. However, GP practice websites don’t always support people to use online services instead. Healthwatch Sheffield looked at a range of information and services that patients might want to access online, including:
- Contacting the surgery and making an appointment
- Registering as a new patient
- Ordering prescriptions
- Making complaints and giving feedback
- Patient Participation Groups (PPGs)
- Information and support for carers
- Self-care information
- Website accessibility and usability
The report share examples of good practice, where GP websites provide clear information and a range of choices to meet their patients’ needs. However there were also some significant barriers to accessing GP services.
Only 11 of the 74 websites allowed new patients to register entirely online – most patients will have to visit the practice to fill in paperwork. This can be difficult for some people. And 46 of the 74 websites asked patients for proof of ID/address in order to register – requiring this evidence isn’t in line with NHS guidance and leaves some of our most vulnerable communities, such as homeless people or refugees – without access to a GP.
Healthwatch Sheffield has since written to each GP practice, sharing findings about their website and highlighting areas where they think the GP practice’s online services are good, as well as making suggested improvements.
They have also written to commissioners – the people who design and pay for services – making recommendations to them. The page will be updated with their response, outlining their commitments to making improvements.
You can download the report here . For an alternative format telephone Healthwatch Sheffield on 0114 253 6688 or email info@healthwatchsheffield.co.uk
You can also share your views on this and other health concerns with Healthwatch Sheffield here.
