MORE patients than ever are using NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde's (NHSGCC) virtual consultation service Near Me, with 98% saying that would use it again. 

The latest figures reveal in October alone nearly 12,000 virtual appointments were taken across more than 970 NHSGCC services. 

Throughout the pandemic, Near Me has played a key role in allowing patients to get the care they need from the comfort of their own homes and it has allowed clinicians to manage their patients. 

The service has benefitted a large number of patients who would have otherwise had to make an unnecessary in-person trip for their appointment. 

An NHSGCC survey of 3481 virtual consultation patients found 98% said they would use the service again. 

Not having to travel for an appointment was highlighted as the biggest benefit by 83% of respondents, 61% pointed to the increased convenience and 58% found it a more efficient use of their time. 

Throughout October, the consultations were found to last an average of 31 minutes and the majority of patients had their needs fulfilled the same as an in-person appointment would. 

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Dr Scott Davison, deputy medical director for acute services at NHSGCC, said: "Remote or virtual consultations are a vital tool for healthcare professionals to deliver care. 

"For a large number of patients, it makes sense for us to deliver their care while they remain at home than asking them to make what could be a substantial journey to an outpatient clinic for us to explain something in person which could easily be done over the video or phone. 

"We know they are benefitting from the service because they tell us and we'll continue to offer it to patients who are suitable."

Patients not suited to virtual consultation, or who require face-to-face appointments for other reasons such as physical examinations, are still being given in-person appointments. 

Each case is being assessed on an individual basis to ensure patients are given the correct support.

GP and deputy medical director for primary care services at NHSGCC, Dr Kerri Neylon, said: "Remote consultations are allowing our GPs to manage extremely high patient numbers, and providing a valuable service to patients where it's not essential to be seen in person. 

"The pandemic has forced a much more rapid implementation than previously planned, but feedback overall is very positive, and our patients are getting used to it. 

"However, we are not taking a blanket approach with Near Me, and would stress that there are still thousands of telephone and face to face patient appointments taking place across GP practices within Greater Glasgow and Clyde. 

"If you need to be seen in person, you will be."

Virtual appointments have been found to work particularly well when patients are isolating or unable to leave the house due to caring commitments, for consultations for mental health concerns, and for consultations requiring joint examinations.