Just used the new AI type reception system at my local medical centre.
On the positive side it did work and hopefully will deliver what I asked for, a review of some of my medication.
I understand that all surgeries are now having to cope with a bigger population and thus under strain. A problem for the local NHS in general, not restricted to any particular doctors’ surgery.
However as an ancient myself, though reasonably IT literate, I’m afraid this will be a problem for many older people and some younger ones. It’s much easier and reassuring to talk to a real person.
Since I’m a parish councillor I do have some responsibility to echo the opinions of the people I represent and this worries me. I think it’s a bad way forward and more staff/telephone systems would be better.
It’s becoming harder for older folk to cope with ever increasing reliance in many areas, from parking, bookings, NHS and other admin systems, on IT stuff that many of them simply don’t understand, want or can’t use. To ask family or friends for help, destroys privacy, dignity and independence. What seems a quick or cheap fix excludes and sometimes isolates people, in short “too far too soon”.
Time will tell but please listen to the feedback and remember that some folk are afraid to comment on their interaction with medical services.
Coun Paul Foyster
Holbeach
