ANIMA – Making it easier to get an appointment – Register Now!
We want to put an end to the 8am rush for appointments and to make it much easier for you to get the help you need.
That’s why we are making changes which will make getting an appointment easier and fairer.
What is Changing?
We are always looking for ways to improve the experience of our patients.
At the moment some of our appointments are given out on a “first- come, first-served” basis to those who can contact the practice each morning at 8am. This is not the best way of doing things.
That is why we are introducing a new booking system which will get you the help you need more quickly and conveniently.
How will things change for me?
You will have some new ways that you can book an appointment with us through our website but, don’t worry, you can still telephone us or visit the practice if that is what you would prefer. Our receptionist can make a request for you via Anima.
The biggest benefit is that these changes will mean there will be no more “morning rush” to queue on the telephones or queue at the surgery.
No matter what time you contact us all our appointments will be prioritised by our clinical team based on medical urgency.
Other changes will include:
✅ More ways for you to request an appointment.
✅ Your case will be assessed by our
clinical team who will decide the best plan is for you.
✅ If you care for others, you can
complete an online request for them quickly and efficiently.
✅ You can easily log in to see the status
of your request and the outcomes of your current and past appointment requests.
✅ You will be asked questions without
medical jargon.
✅ You don’t need to discuss any medical issues over the phone – you can send an online request helping to improve confidentiality.
✅ The system is easier to use if English is
not your first language, if you are deaf, or have hearing difficulties.
✅ Sometimes a GP is not the best person
to help you with your medical concerns. Our clinical team is made up of lots of different specialties and the new system will offer you the best – and earliest appointment for your individual needs.
✅ If you do not need to be seen urgently,
You will be able to easily choose the most convenient appointment from those available.
✅ You will get a text message and email
to keep you updated about your appointment times.
FAQs
What happens if I can’t access the internet or don’t feel confident using it?
Our reception team are always happy to help. They can submit requests for you and can call you back to inform you of the outcome of your request and book you in for the necessary appointment.
Can I add a dependent or family member?
Yes, once you have signed up you can go into settings and add dependents or children to your account.
Why have we changed to Anima?
GP practices are experiencing significant strain with declining GP numbers and increasing demand.
Ensuring that patients are seen by the appropriate Clinician in the right place and at the right time means that patient care and experience is improved, and it reduces pressure on GP practices, allowing GPs to spend their time where it is needed the most.
The idea behind total digital triage is also to avoid the “8am rush” that has become a problem for many. This approach is supported by NHS England who have advised that GP surgeries use this approach in future
Is my Data Safe?
Some concerns have been raised regarding the misleading Anima Privacy Policy as this policy currently includes information regarding the website and the patient application. Separate Privacy Policies will be issued soon.
We have been reassured by Anima that their servers are based in the UK, all data is stored in the UK and encrypted both at rest and in transit. All data will remain UK based as they expand the company as well. Anima has been approved for use by the NHS and uses the same infrastructure as the NHS app.
The Privacy Policy does contain sections where it mentions disclosing information to other providers in different countries, but this is all related to users of the website, not the application. The website is targeting general audiences who want to learn about them as a company, Practice Managers, GPs, other NHS members, overseas clinics, etc. These sections of the Privacy Policy apply to practice details, for example the practice email address if it was entered it into their website requesting further information about their services. The practice email address might then be forwarded onto another company for marketing purposes. Anima have confirmed therefore this does not apply to patients as they will be using the application only.
When will the new system be launched?
We plan to launch Anima from
21st February 2024
For more information on Anima please visit
https://www.animahealth.com/patients
Do I need to do anything?
You will need to register to use Anima
https://www.animahealth.com/patients
Online Appointment Booking System
SystmOnline
Practice Nurses
In a number of cases it might be worth considering an appointment with a practice nurse rather than a doctor. Practice nurses are qualified to deal with many conditions and you may be seen more quickly.
Cancellations
If you cannot attend an appointment for any reason please inform us as soon as possible in order for us to give the slot to someone else. Appointments can be cancelled by speaking to Reception, leaving an answer phone message on the cancellation line, by replying CANCEL to the SMS appointment reminder or via your online account. Patients who persistently do not attend for appointments will be removed from the practice list.
Home Visits
Whilst we encourage our patients to come to the surgery, where we have the proper equipment and facilities available, we do appreciate this is not always possible. In this respect, if you do need a home visit, you can help us by calling reception before 10:30.
You may only request a home visit if you are housebound or are too ill to visit the practice. Your GP will only visit you at home if they think that your medical condition requires it and will also decide how urgently a visit is needed. Please bear this in mind and be prepared to provide suitable details to enable the doctor to schedule house calls
You can also be visited at home by a community nurse if you are referred by your GP. You should also be visited at home by a health visitor if you have recently had a baby or if you are newly registered with a GP and have a child under five years.