Additional Support  

If our daily triage via Accurx has reached capacity, patients may also use the AskFirst app, or the 111 symptom checker within the NHS APP / NHS Online Services.

AskFirst is a simple online and mobile solution that improves access to local NHS services and is provided in partnership with the NHS.

Patients aged 18–24 are encouraged to download the app from their device’s app store to access NHS support when needed.

NHS 111 Symptom Checker n the NHS App / NHS online services helps you check your symptoms, get trusted health advice, and find out what to do next - including whether you need to see a GP, visit a pharmacy, or get urgent care. 

Our practice supports patients in using the AskFirst app to help manage and direct their health needs quickly and easily.

 This app is designed to complement our existing processes. You should continue to use our daily triage route via Accurx, but when that route has reached capacity, AskFirst can provide an additional, convenient way to get the help you need.

If you are aged 18–24, we encourage you to download the AskFirst app for by visiting: 

AskFirst 

How AskFirst Helps You

• Get faster access to NHS services online or via your mobile device.

• Be directed to the right care at the right time.

• Manage your health needs conveniently, even when our daily triage route has reached capacity.

Check your symptoms and get trusted advice, fast. NHS 111 online asks you simple questions and directs you to the right care—self-care at home, a pharmacist, urgent treatment, your GP, or A&E. It won’t give a diagnosis, but it will tell you what to do next. 111.nhs.uk

When to use it

• If you need medical help now and aren’t sure what to do.

• If your GP is closed or you can’t get through on the phone.

• Use for most common symptoms and minor illnesses. (It covers ~120 topics.) nhs.uk

Emergency? Call 999 immediately. Don’t use 111 online for life-threatening symptoms (e.g., severe chest pain, signs of stroke, heavy bleeding, severe breathing difficulty). See emergency guidance on NHS.UK. 111.nhs.uk+1

Who can use it

• Available in England. For Northern Ireland, Scotland, or Wales, use your nation’s service. 111.nhs.uk

• For people aged 5 and over (you can complete it for someone else). nhs.uk

How it works (3 quick steps)

1. Tell us the main symptom – answer a few questions. nhs.uk

2. Get clear next steps – where to go or who to contact (pharmacy, urgent treatment, GP, dentist/optician, or self-care). nhs.uk

3. If needed, a clinician may call you back – you’ll be offered a callback window when appropriate (you can’t request one). 111 online and 111 phone share the same callback queue. nhs.uk

What you might be advised to do

• Self-care at home with guidance.

• Speak to a pharmacist (including help with emergency supplies of some prescribed medicines if you’ve run out).

• Contact or visit urgent care (e.g., urgent treatment centre, evening/weekend GP, sexual or mental health services, A&E if appropriate).

• Contact your GP during weekday hours (111 cannot book GP appointments for you). nhs.uk

Accessibility, languages & privacy

• Options for people with hearing needs or other languages are signposted from the 111 site. 111.nhs.uk

• Read the privacy statement and accessibility info on the 111 website. 111.nhs.uk

Start now

👉 Use NHS 111 online: Get help for your symptoms Get help for your symptoms - NHS 111

If you are 16 or over, you can now, order prescriptions, view parts of your medical record, message your GP, and more, using the NHS App.  In future, you may again be able to book appointments online (this service is currently disabled by NHS England). 

How to do it 

To begin, download the NHS App. 

When you first open it you will need to register.  The process is described on the NHS Digital website https://digital.nhs.uk/services/nhs-login/nhs-login-for-partners-and-developers/how-nhs-login-works and in a YouTube video https://youtu.be/6FFjGUW6s7E, also please see video below.  

• The easiest way to register the is to simply log onto your mobile device app store and download the 'NHS APP'. You can also visit -  www.nhs.uk/nhsapp for more information.The set up is straight forward and does not require input from the practice as long as you know your Name, DOB and NHS Number.

  However, If you are having difficulty, contact the surgery and the practice manager will help you.

• You can 

  • see your summary medical record 
  • order repeat prescriptions 
  • change your nominated pharmacy 
  • view and manage your hospital appointments, including referrals 
  • send very short messages to your GP and receive messages from the surgery 
  • check your symptoms 
  • find trusted NHS information on hundreds of conditions and treatments and get instant advice  
  • manage your organ donation decision 
  • choose if data from your health records is shared for research and planning   

  There’s more about the app at   www.nhs.uk/nhsapp   and there’s also an Easy Read leaflet online file:///C:/Users/mpetk/Downloads/nhs-app-a4-leaflet-to-be-folded.pdf .  Our My Choices Leaflet suggests things to think about when deciding whether to sign up to use any sort of online access app. 

  Advantages of NHS App compared with Patient Access 
  • it’s a one-stop shop, including the NHS symptom checker and links to NHS111 online 
  • the laptop and desktop version has various disability access tools https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/online-services/nhs-app/nhs-app-legal-and-cookies/nhs-app-accessibility-statement/ 
  • its simpler processes save the surgery on average 3 hours’ staff time a week 
  • no need to visit the practice to collect forms, show ID and submit a paper application 
  • you account is activated normally within two hours 

• Our My Choices Leaflet (below) suggests things to think about when deciding whether to sign up to use any sort of online access app, providing information about the online service responsibilities. 

  My Choices Leaflet

We are now offering all patients an option of support in getting set up and using online apps. AskFirst and the NHS App allow you to complete tasks online without having to ring the surgery, like booking some appointments, looking at your medical record and test results, and requesting prescriptions.

By using the digital assistant, you will be able to access step by step guides on how to download and/or use functionalities within our online apps.