Video Consultation

Information for Patients and Carers

 

Why have I been offered this type of appointment? 

We are offering video consultations to patients who have been identified by their healthcare professional as someone who may be suitable for this type of appointment.  A video consultation offers a more flexible, less stressful and convenient way to hold an appointment for both patients and carers, whilst helping you to save time and costs associated with travel and parking and also reducing any unnecessary social contact when appropriate.  

Do I have to have my appointment by video?

No you don’t.  We understand that it may not be possible for you to conduct your appointment by video call or you may not want to.  If you decide not to attend a video call which has already been arranged, please let us know as soon as possible by calling 01782 675105.  We can then arrange for your appointment to be conducted in another way.  If your clinician feels that you need to attend a face to face appointment, this will be arranged.

What do I need to make a video call?

  • A computer/laptop or portable device (tablet or smart phone) with web-camera, speakers and microphone.
  • A good connection to the internet, either Wi-Fi or 4G.  If you can watch a video online (e.g. YouTube) you can make a video call.
  • One of the Web Browsers below:  
    • Google Chrome web browser on a desktop or laptop, or on an Android tablet or smartphone 
    • Safari web browser on an Apple iMac, MacBook, iPad, or iPhone.  
    • Please Note – Attend Anywhere will not work with Internet Explorer.
  • A private, well-lit area where you will not be disturbed during the consultation
  • There is no need to create an account.  No information you enter is stored.

Where do I go to attend my appointment? 

Instead of travelling to your appointment, you enter the clinic’s online waiting room which is accessed via the following URL:

You then simply follow the instructions given to enter the waiting room.  Once connected, a clinician will join you when ready; check some personal details with you and then carry out the consultation.   

Can a family member or carer join me in this consultation?

Yes they can, subject to your approval that is.  Please ensure you contact them in advance and confirm they also have the means to conduct a video consultation and give them the date and time.  On the day when you dial in for your consultation, make the clinician aware of this requirement and pass on the mobile telephone number or email address of the guest.  They will then send a link to them so they can join the consultation.  

Can I test the video consultation platform before my appointment? 

Yes, you can test your equipment and connection by using the “Test Call” button on the platform or “Test My Equipment” tab on our UHNM Attend Anywhere webpage https://www.uhnm.nhs.uk/attend-anywhere/ (above the clinic waiting room options).  This will check your connection speed, speaker, microphone and camera.  It is advisable to test your equipment prior to your call.

What happens if I cannot access the waiting area on the day of my appointment? 

Don’t worry, if you cannot access the waiting area on the day of your appointment.  If your doctor or nurse cannot see you in the waiting room they will contact you on the telephone numbers we hold for you.  Your consultation will be conducted by telephone where possible. 

What happens if I am having difficulty seeing or hearing my clinician through the video link? 

Let your clinician know straight away if you are experiencing any technical problems with the virtual clinic.  Firstly, check your device has access to your camera and microphone or try the refresh button on the top right of the screen. 

If you are still having difficulty, if possible, your consultation can continue by telephone. Otherwise you can have a rescheduled video appointment or be offered the next available face to face appointment.

How much data does a call use?

On average, a 20 minute video consultation uses about 230 MB on a mobile device, and 450 MB on a PC.  Data use is less on lower-speed internet connections, or on a less powerful computer, tablet, or smartphone. These factors can also reduce the overall quality of the call.  You do not use any data while waiting for a clinician to join you; however data use will occur whilst in a waiting room when there are more than two participants in the call.  Attend Anywhere recommends connecting to a Wi-Fi network where practical to do so if using a smartphone to avoid using the device’s mobile data allowance.

What happens if I need a physical examination?

If your clinician decides after seeing you on the video call, that you need a physical examination, you will be offered the next available face to face appointment.  If your condition has changed and you feel that you need to see your doctor in a face to face setting, please contact us.

Feedback 

We will be assessing this service and your experience. Following your consultation you will be immediately directed to an online satisfaction survey. We are interested in honest feedback and we would be grateful if you would consider sharing your thoughts with us. 

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