We currently use a system by AccuRx to assist us with remote and virtual consultations.

This includes:

• Sending you documents such as sick notes and blood test forms
• Sending you test results
• Sending your doctor or nurse pictures to assist with telephone consultations eg rashes, lumps etc
• Video consultation

The system:

• Does not need an app or special programme
• You only need a smartphone with an internet connection (WiFi/Mobile data)
• It is free for you to use (other than the cost of data)

You can find more information, FAQs, and troubleshooting, at:

https://support.accurx.com/en/collections/2279595-accurx-for-patients

If clinically relevant, we will save the picture(s) you send us onto your medical record. This can be helpful if we need to refer to it later on.

If the picture is of a sensitive nature, we would not usually save it, unless for specific clinical reason, and we will specifically ask for your consent to do so.

1. Prepare before your appointment. If neccessary, make some notes beforehand – write down questions or things you want to ask
2. Make time - remember a routine appointment is only 10mins so ensure the doctor has enough time for the problem you want to talk about; it is unrealistic to discuss several problems at the same time
3. Make sure your phone has signal and is charged
4. Speak clearly, adjust the volume, and if you can’t hear, please say so
5. Have pen and paper in case you need to write notes or any details
6. If sending a picture, make sure your picture is clear, the subject in focus, and visible. Avoid blurring or bits cropped out. If helpful, have a ruler or tape measure to compare the size eg if it is a lump or skin lesion. Take more than one picture if necessary (you can send up to 5 at a time)
7. Make sure your video camera is at an appropriate height, and you are sitting or standing comfortably

Torkard Hill Medical Centre shared your demographic data (including name, age, gender, date of birth, NHS number and address) with Patients Know Best (PKB) so PKB could create a dormant patient account for each person registered at this practice. The data in these accounts will not be accessed or processed unless you choose to activate your PKB account. Activating the account will create a patient held record which you can choose to share with health and care teams. This data sharing was done through article 6 (1)(e) and 9(2)(h) of UK GPDR 2018.

PKB are registered with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO), which regulates data protection in the UK, and their registration number is Z2704931. PKB cannot see your demographic data or any health information in your PKB account, including your patient held record.  Your information is kept encrypted on secure servers and can only be seen by yourself, health care teams chosen by you or those with a lawful basis. 

PKB will retain your data for 8 years after either the date your dormant account was created or the date you last accessed your activated account; whichever date is more recent. You can email sfh-tr.nottsnhsapp@nhs.net if you wish your PKB information to be deleted before that point, this does not mean that your GP record held by Torkard Hill Medical Centre will be deleted.