North West London Health Centre installs Infopoint help point to improve patient access to GP services

NHS Harrow Clinical Commissioning Group has appointed Infopoint to install an NHS 111 free dial help point at Alexandra Avenue GP Access Centre, assisting patients to book appointments quickly and easily.

Appointments at Alexandra Avenue can be made through the patients’ GP or by calling 111.

NHS Harrow Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) is funding this initiative to support the GP Access Centre in line with NHS England’s requirements to see improved same day access to GP services 7 days a week by 2020.

Javina Sehgal, Managing Director of Harrow CCG said:

“The free dial help point at the GP Access Centre helps patients to book an appointment through NHS 111 in a quick and timely manner if they arrive at the Centre and want to see a GP. It also has useful links to transport services and pharmacies in the borough.

”We want the local NHS to be as adaptive as possible to patient needs. Prebookable appointments at the Alexandra Health and Social Care Centre ensure that people can access a GP at the right time that suits them. This includes appointments during evenings and weekends.” ​

The Infopoint help point includes information on the ‘Health Help Now’ app that patients can download to their phones via a QR code.

‘Health Help Now’ is an NHS approved mobile application which helps you find the right service at the right time. The app lists common symptoms and suggestions for local services, as well as advice articles where you can get help.

It allows patients to log in to their Patient Online account where they can book their GP appointment, order repeat prescriptions, and view their summary medical record.

The app also contains public health and local council information and informative resources on long term conditions such as diabetes.

Registered Harrow GP Patients can pre-book appointments at the Alexandra Avenue GP Access Centre via their GP Practice or via NHS 111. The centre bridges the gap between the usual GP services during the week and offers local patients invaluable access to GP services 7 days a week including weekends and evenings.