What are the benefits of using PATCHS?

1. Improved access to your GP practice. You can submit requests for help from your GP practice in your own time without having to wait on the telephone to speak to a receptionist.
2. Quick response. You will usually get a quicker response from a GP than having to wait for an appointment.
3. Convenience. You can access a range of services including GP consultations, health advice, fit notes, medications, video consultations, and more. You usually won't have leave your house if you contact your GP practice using PATCHS.
4. Easy to use. PATCHS is really simple to use - you only need to answer a few questions to get help from your GP practice.
5. You may prefer communicating in writing. Some patients find it easier to describe their health problems more fully and accurately in writing than they could in a traditional telephone or face-to-face consultation. You can also take your time to answer questions, can review and edit them before submitting, and have a written record to refer back to in future.
6. Support for vulnerable patients. Carers can use PATCHS on behalf of patients who can't use PATCHS for themselves.

Benefits for your GP practice

1. Improved efficiency. Your GP practice can see at a glance what help you need (because it's written down), without you needing to explain it over the telephone. This helps them to quickly prioritise which patients need help quickest, and which patients need telephone or face-to-face appointments.
2. Fewer phone calls. The more patients use PATCHS to contact the GP practice, the fewer phone calls the practice receives. This frees up GP practice staff to do other important work.

Benefits for other patients

1. Patients who need the most urgent help can get it sooner. Your GP practice can see at a glance what help you need (because it's written down). This means patients with the most urgent medical needs who need telephone calls or face-to-face appointments get them quicker. 
2. Patients who really need to telephone the practice can get through more easily. The more patients use PATCHS to contact the GP practice, the fewer telephone calls the practice receives. This frees up the telephone lines for patients that can't use PATCHS or have medical emergencies.