Winter often means one thing for GP surgeries – sickness levels through the roof! And with that comes more Doctor’s appointments. And with that comes more people ringing up the GP surgery in desperate search for an appointment.

With more people sick this time of the year, the overwhelm for staff is at an all-time high.

Surgeries require a friendly, prompt and efficient service. Despite the time of year, patients will still expect a quick response to their call. Therefore, a telephone system that helps to take the strain off and improves patient experience is super important.

Exploring how VoIP can assist with these periods of overwhelm can help put solutions in place to reduce problems going forward.

What is VoIP?

VoIP is a cloud-based system that enables calls to be transmitted via the Internet with the same ease as sending an email. It’s a versatile, cost-effective alternative to the traditional analogue phone system. The medical sector, with its constant need for clear communication, can really benefit from the perks of VoIP.

So, how will VoIP help me?

A VoIP system allows you to understand the exact volume of calls you are receiving and when those busy periods are at their worst. The reporting system provides you with clear, easy to understand information and statistics on areas including how many calls you’re receiving, how long callers are waiting to get through to a member of staff, and who in the surgery is answering those calls.

Having all that information is really useful, but VoIP goes a step further by providing additional functionality such as hunt groups (a number of people set up to take incoming calls), call divert, and virtual receptionists in order to deal with any problem areas your reporting statistics highlight.

Staying agile

These flexible tools can be tweaked to handle the busiest periods in whichever way you see fit, or with guidance from our team. There is never a one-size-fits-all approach to surgery phone systems, with VoIP systems providing countless, unique ways to work.

Reducing costs

Since making the switch to VoIP, some businesses have reported saving as much as 80% of existing costs. Because the system works through your internet connection, it also removes much of the cost of setting up new lines, which means you can also add phones easily with no major cost.

On the move

VoIP telephone numbers and handsets are designed to be taken anywhere. So, for doctors on call in the event of an emergency, this means they can make and take calls at home or on another site. If you install the app, you can also connect mobile phones to the office number to make and take calls too.

Sound good?

For more information on how Equations could make your life easier, give the team a call on 01237 420010.