eConsultation (eConsult)

eConsult is an online portal where you can check your symptoms, receive medical advice or consult online with our GPs at Waterfield House Surgery online.
Please read the following information before submitting an eConsult:

Please be aware that in order to avoid disappointment and to maintain safe clinical practice eConsult should not be used for any urgent on-the-day issues as a means of requesting face-to-face GP appointments or to request an appointment with a particular clinician.

In addition, if the eConsult system advises that more urgent advice is needed (such as to contact NHS 111 or 999), please stop completing the eConsult and follow the safety advice provided.

In addition, the eConsult service is not an unlimited resource and therefore, there is a daily limit on the number of eConsults the practice can receive to safely manage and process these eConsults.

We would also like to request that patients limit their eConsult requests to no more than ONE clinical problem per week. We need some of our appointments to be free for unwell elderly patients who call on the day and those who cannot use an online platform. Please note, administrative eConsults about medical certificates or paperwork are excluded from the maximum one eConsult a week.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Where can I access eConsult? You can access eConsult via our Home Page by clicking on the floating bar call 'Contact your GP practice Online', or by clicking here or via your NHS App (our preferred option for you). You can 1. Select the 'Advice' button from the options menu at the bottom of the NHS App screen. 2. Select the 'Ask your GP for Advice' option from the main screen. 3. Accept the terms and conditions screener question and continue.
When can I access eConsult? You are able to submit an eConsult medical problem form during our practice opening hours. However, you are able to access the self-help links 24 hours a day 7 days a week. 
What happens if I have more than one issue?

If possible we would like to request you limit eConsult request to no more than one clinical problem per week. 

Please submit one eConsult per problem, this may mean you are submitting more than one eConsult. This will allow us to gather more accurate information to help you. If you submit more than one problem the Clinician select the problem they consider to be the most urgent. You then be required to submit further eConsult requests for each of the additional problems you are experiencing.
When will I get a response back? The clinician will review your response and get back to you by the end of the next working day. We will contact you by telephone or by email.
What about the Elderly and Vulnerable? Elderly patients who have access to the internet can use the service, otherwise they can call the surgery as usual on the practice telephone number.
What about my Child? Parents can submit an eConsult on behalf of their children if they are > 6 months. For children < 6 months please phone the surgery.
How old do I need to be to use eConsult? You can submit your own eConsult once you are 16 years old. If you are aged 16-17, to submit an eConsult and select the ‘For your child’ tab. If 18 or over submit your eConsult normally. If you are below 16 and wish to discuss an issue that your parents are not aware of, please phone the surgery to speak to reception.
But I need to be seen? Your eConsult will be reviewed by your GP and if you need to be seen for a face-to-face appointment, you will be advised of this by your GP.
What happens if my condition is not listed on eConsult? If your condition is not listed, please select the option ‘Ask about general symptoms….’
Can I submit photos? You may be asked to submit a photo with your eConsult to help us diagnose you. However, please do not include photos of intimate areas – for example genitalia or breasts. See video below for further information on how to upload photos.  
I completed an eConsult, but I have not heard back from the practice.     This should not happen, however if it does and you have not heard back from the practice by the end of the next working day, please contact the surgery who will deal with this promptly.
I have an administrative request. You can submit admin requests such as requesting a fit note (sick note) by visiting our website, go to the eConsult banner and select administrative requests. Please note that the administrative requests will be processed within the timescale already defined by the surgery.
I have a prescription request. You can’t use eConsult to order your prescriptions, please find more information on prescription here.