Virtual doctor appointments rolled out across Wales

Virtual GP appointments are being rolled out across Wales in the fight against the coronavirus pandemic.

All GP practices in Wales can now access a new system, which allows people to have online appointments with their doctor and other healthcare professionals.

The NHS Wales Video Consulting Service was due to launch later this year but has been brought forward because of Covid-19.

As well as helping people keep to the stay-at-home rules, the new system will allow doctors and nurses who are self-isolating, but willing and able to work, to continue to serve their communities.

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Video appointments will be offered if doctors want more information than a telephone call can provide.

In these cases, surgeries can provide simple instructions about how people can access the free and easy-to-use technology that will work with their smartphone, tablet or PC.

A pilot programme in Aneurin Bevan University Health Board area saw 290 GPs across 73 practices receive video conference training.

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