Sovereign Health Care is helping its customers access health care advice and appointments with a GP, 24 hours a day, via a new helpline and web app.
GP24 has been introduced to help combat the issue of increasing wait times to see a GP which, on average, is currently 15 days for a non-urgent appointment.1
This exclusive member benefit, provided by Medical Solutions UK Ltd, will allow Sovereign customers to have phone consultations or webcam appointments at a time that suits them with experienced, registered practitioners, who will not only be able to offer medical advice but also issue private prescriptions. They can access the service via their online customer area from anywhere in the world and there is no time limit on the length of the consultation.
Customers can also access medically validated health information on 1,100 topics including travel, women’s health, men’s health and general wellbeing.
Russ Piper, Chief Executive of Sovereign Health Care, said: “With waiting times for GP appointments exceeding a fortnight and more than 22% of people waiting over three weeks for a routine consultation2, it is a struggle for GPs to meet patient’s demands.
“By introducing the GP24 service to our customers, we’re enabling them to speak to a medical professional at a time that suits them, wherever they are in the world, without the worry of having to wait days to see their local GP. GP24 is there to help our customers when they need to speak to a GP, but perhaps they’re unable to or don’t have time to get an appointment with their own NHS GP.
“This optional, complimentary service for Sovereign customers is a part of our commitment to providing added value for money, whilst also making an effort to ease the growing challenges and increasing strain on NHS GP practices.”
Toby Hardwick, Senior Client Consultant at Medical Solutions UK Ltd, added: “Medical Solutions is very pleased to be partnering with Sovereign Health Care to provide their members with fast, convenient access to practising GPs 24/7.
“Sovereign Health Care have been helping their members for over 145 years and, as such, are recognised as a highly experienced and trusted provider of services. This mirrors Medical Solutions’ reputation and therefore we see the partnership as a natural fit. We believe incorporating a tangible support service, such as the Medical Solutions GP24 service will enhance the Sovereign Health Care proposition, customer experience and engagement by demonstrating commitment to members overall health and wellbeing.”
Based in Bradford, Sovereign Health Care celebrated its 145th anniversary last year and is one of the UK’s longest established providers of health care cash plans to individuals and businesses, with almost 75,000 customers across the UK.
Sovereign Health Care’s cash plans enable customers to claim money back towards the cost of prescriptions, dental check-ups and treatment, visits to the optician and much more. Being able to recoup some of these costs can help individuals to keep on top of their health care by taking preventative measures and getting treatment early.
For further information, visit www.sovereignhealthcare.co.uk
The GP24 service is provided by Medical Solutions UK Ltd on behalf of Sovereign Health Care. Terms and conditions apply to the use of the GP24 service, details of which are available through the GP24 web app. By using the GP24 service, users agree to Medical Solutions UK Ltd terms and conditions. All services may be withdrawn or changed without notice.