"Restrictive access"

E-consult has begun. However, patients can only access the e-consult form online between 07.00 and 10.00 hrs. This restricts access unreasonably when other local practices allow patients to complete the form at any time to be submitted and subsequently read during the 07.00 to 10.00 window, when staff are available. Families with Children and patients who work often have great difficulty engaging with the service during these restrictive hours. Others may not be able to obtain privacy during these hours and be unable to reach out to the surgery during these times. Children under 16 are not supposed to even use it, which could deter a child reaching out to the surgery for help.

Restricting access to an online tool to just 3 hours a day, is providing the service at a bare minimum level of service. It also limits families opportunity to express concerns about family members who are patients.