Attend Anywhere questions
What is a video consultation?
A video consultation is an appointment that takes place between you and a clinician over video, instead of face-to-face or over the telephone. You will receive the same quality of care as you would in a face-to-face appointment.
Why are we using video consultations at ESNEFT?
There are lots of benefits to using video consultations:
- Your time and money is saved by removing the need to travel to your appointment.
- Your consultation is held in a place that is convenient to you.
- Your day is disrupted less, by reducing the amount of time needed to attend your appointment.
- Carbon emissions associated with travel are reduced.
- The risk of spreading infectious diseases such as COVID-19, by avoiding face-to-face contact, is reduced.
Why is the NHS using video consultations as part of its COVID-19 response?
Using video consultations supports with the NHS’s COVID-19 response by:
- Preventing the transmission of the disease, by reducing the need for physical attendance at NHS sites.
- Enabling clinicians to see patients who are unable to travel, this includes patients who are in at risk groups or who need to self-isolate.
- Enabling clinicians to work from home, this includes staff in at risk groups, those who are self-isolating or those who are experiencing travel difficulties.
I have been offered a face-to-face appointment but do not want to come to the hospital because of COVID-19 – what should I do?
Some face-to-face appointments will be necessary over this period. The decision on whether an appointment takes place face-to-face, on video or by telephone is taken by an expert clinician based on your individual care needs. If you are worried about attending a face-to-face appointment, please contact the number on your appointment letter. It may be possible to offer you an appointment by telephone or video instead.
If you think you have COVID-19 you should cancel your face-to-face appointment and make sure you are following the official advice on the NHS website (Opens in a new window). It is important that you let us know if you need to cancel your appointment, so that we can use the time to care for another patient.
Is a video consultation right for me?
Video consultations are suitable for many patients who do not need a physical examination and who are able to communicate via video. Your clinician will only invite you to a video consultation if they believe it is right for you.
Your consent is vital. If at any time you feel that you would like to end the video consultation, you can advise the clinician that you would like to end the video call and arrange another appointment.
You do not have to accept the offer of a video consultation, you can request a telephone appointment, or a face-to-face appointment if that is your preference.
Can a family member, carer, friend or interpreter join me for my video consultation?
Yes, the other person can be at your location or elsewhere.
If the person is in the same location as you, please let the clinician know at the start of your appointment that you have someone with you.
The Attend Anywhere platform allows you to invite someone into your consultation, even if they are in a different location to you:
- You can share your appointment link with them in advance so they can join the waiting area from another location at the time of your appointment. At the start of your appointment, you will need to ask the clinician to invite them to join the consultation.
or
- At the start of your appointment, give the clinician the person’s email address or mobile phone number. The clinician will send them an instant message with a link so that they can join your appointment.
What equipment do I need for a video consultation?
You can access your video consultation on a smartphone, tablet or laptop/computer. You can use your device’s built-in microphone and camera, but some people find they get better call quality using an external headset and web camera. You will need to be connected to the internet through Wi-Fi, 3G, 4G or an ethernet connection.
It is a good idea to test your equipment before your appointment. You can do that by clicking on the button on the Attend Anywhere page.
Will I need to download anything?
Attend Anywhere is accessed via a web browser and does not require any applications to be downloaded.
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