Ministry of Defence rolls out eConsult across 124 sites

The Ministry of Defence has selected eConsult to provide online consultations across its 124 sites.

Around 183,500 military personnel are set to have access to the online platform from sites based in the UK and across the globe.

As part of the mobilisation process, eConsult worked with the Ministry of Defence (MOD) teams to rapidly roll out online consultations to every MOD medical centre in the UK within just 24 hours to ensure all personnel have remote access to consultations during the Covid-19 pandemic.

The roll out included the implementation of eConsult, training for MOD clinicians and mass-awareness for all personnel. HMS Neptune Submariner Medical Centre also became the 2000th site to go live with eConsult.

Dr Murray Ellender, GP and chief executive of eConsult, said: “This is a fantastic move for us and we are thrilled to have partnered with the MOD, supporting their staff with remote medical consultations.

“With the contagious nature of Covid-19, it was key that we acted fast and gave all personnel quick access to their local medical centres, without having to come in to contact with another person.

“As we look to a post-Covid world, we are considering the ‘new normal’ in primary healthcare and learning from the efficiency of the digital triage first approach. The response from the MOD is a huge step in the right direction.”

The online platform allows GPs to identify, prioritise and treat patients remotely without risking more infections.

During the pandemic about 95% of online consultations have been resolved without the need for a face-to-face appointment, according to eConsult.

Commander Andrew Horlock said: “This has given the ability for approximately 183,500 services personnel and their dependants to remotely access Defence Primary Healthcare, through their mobile phone, computer or tablet.

“This has also enabled clinicians to continue to consult with patients whilst limiting patient attendance at primary healthcare facilities during the Covid-19 crisis.”