Trust creates GP app

GPs in the North East of England can find details about hospital clinics and specialists via a new app produced by the local foundation trust.

Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust has launched an iPhone and iPad app called Clinical Information Xchange, or CiiX, which gives GPs up-to-date details about services in the area.

It includes information on consultants, their area of specialty and contact details, referral information and forms, service changes and descriptions of clinics.

The trust believes the app, which has been downloaded 250 times, is the first of its kind in the NHS.

Dr Jane Lothian, GP and clinical director at the trust, said it was “a fantastic tool”.

“GPs are very busy people seeing hundreds of patients every week and anything that makes it quicker and easier for us to make a referral to the right specialist is very welcome indeed,” she said.

“Having the names and contact details for specialist consultants and up-to-date forms at the touch of a button makes the referral process much simpler.”

Ann Wright, director of operations at Northumbria, said the app was very simple to use. She hoped it would help GPs make informed decisions on where they refer patients.

“Providing direct contact details for consultants and their areas of specialty means GPs can quickly agree the best pathway of care for patients and build relationships with hospital colleagues,” she said.

The app, which has been developed in consultation with clinicians, is free to download and can be found online.