KEIGHLEY GP surgeries are introducing high-tech measures to help patients access medical advice more quickly.

Phone and online initiatives being rolled out through the autumn aim to reduce pressure on oversubscribed appointment systems.

The measures come from the Modality Partnership ‘super practice’, which includes Cross Hills, Farfield, Haworth, Holycroft, Oakworth and Kilmeny.

A partnership with Push Doctor will allow patients to access face-to-face appointments via their phone at a time to suit them.

For routine queries patients will be able to use E Consult, where they can email queries to the surgery and receive an email reply within 24 hours.

Modality spokesman Dr Andy Parson said: “Using new technology we are increasing capacity while freeing-up GP appointments in surgery for patients.

“We are also going to make more appointments available online in the coming months - encouraging patients to book appointments in a more convenient way.

Dr Parson said people should contact their surgery to find out about the online services, and stressed they were not suitable for all health issues.

The surgeries are also offering Extended Access GP appointments in the evenings and at weekends, when demand is generally less than during weekdays.

Dr Parsons said: “Only certain surgeries will run Extended Access so you may be asked to go to a different surgery from your usual one, but the care you receive will be as good as you would expect.

“We are also promoting Care Navigation, which is trying to connect patients first-time to the appropriate health professional.

“This is why the Patient Services Colleague may ask you some questions when you get in touch. They are trying to ascertain the right person for you to see.

“The roles we now have in practice include Advance Nurse Practitioners, Paramedics, Social Prescribers, Health Care Assistants and Physician Associates.

“These initiatives will improve access to appointments with healthcare professionals and GPs.

“In Airedale, Wharfedale and Craven we are leading the way in providing a wide range of healthcare and support for our patients and working very hard to improve access to appointments and the type of care that patients demand in the 21st century.”