As we come out of the heat of Summer and the weather starts shifting, the nights draw in and the schools start back, demand for GP services continues to creep on up.  Whether it’s annual flu jabs or Covid boosters to co-ordinate or an increase in general enquiries as patients succumb to the changing seasons and the illnesses it brings (likely both), what your surgery needs right now is flexibility.  

Flexibility to deal with a natural surge in demand and surgery to leave everyone feeling prepared to take on the unexpected. Just in case.  

All of this starts with an agile communications system.  Now might be the time to consider switching to a VoIP system to keep your surgery going through the busy winter months.  Here’s how it might help this winter. 

Use Automated Messages for Key Information 

The chances are that you can predict many of the queries coming into the surgery as the season presses on: what are your opening hours? Are my test results in? When and where can I get a vaccination? Do I need to wear a mask?  Save staff time and ensure patients are getting the right information when they need it by using the automated messaging feature of your VoIP system. 

Direct Your Calls to the Right Place to Reduce Frustration

The auto-attendant function on your VoIP system can help to filter specific queries to specific destination lines – keeping staff from being over burdened fielding irrelevant queries.    Whether they’re calling to order repeat prescriptions, arrange specialist services or to collect test results,  setting up your menu system to divert calls to the most appropriate destination will reduce wait times and frustration for patients.

Prepare for Staff Absence with Hunt Groups 

A hunt group allows a single incoming call to ring on multiple phones simultaneously, spreading the workload across the team rather than relying on a single person to answer. Hunt groups will enable teams to segment incoming calls to ensure relevant queries go to the correct place and cab be dealt with quickly. 

Communicate with Your Wider Network with Ease 

The NHS is made up of many moving parts.  A modern VoIP system can bring you closer to contacts and departments, allowing you to forward calls at the touch of a button.  Should your team need to contact specialist services, hospital bookings or admissions, community-based health care practitioners or local pharmacies, this is easier than ever before saving the team time, energy and frustration.

With the right system in place, your surgery will easily be able to manage winter pressures and be prepared for anything that might come your way this year and in years to come.  Contact the team on 01237 420010 to discuss the needs of your surgery.Hit the Winter Season Running by Upgrading Your Surgery Communications Now