Appointments

Non-urgent advice: Documenting Consultations with Heidi AI

Some GPs are currently trialling an AI (Artificial Intelligence) app with our clinical system, to help us document consultations. The app is called Heidi AI.

This requires the app to listen to the consultation and transcribe notes, which are then saved to your records. The recording is deleted.

It has been approved by the NHS, and meets the Data Protection Act and GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) rules. If you do not wish to participate, please let your doctor know when they ask for consent.

What happens to my data at each step of the Heidi process?

  • Your conversation is converted to text to create a transcript of what was discussed. This transcription is happening live as you speak, so no recording is ever stored.
  • Once the transcript is complete it is anonymised (see more details below).
  • The transcript is passed through the AI App where it converts the transcript into an easy to use format for your medical record.
  • Your transcript is stored in an encrypted and anonymised manner on Heidi servers until the clinician deletes it permanently.

As stated in Heidi’s privacy policy, your data is not being used to train or improve the AI model.

Urgent appointments

To request an urgent appointment for today or tomorrow (Monday to Friday):

  • phone us on 01543 395 655, Monday to Friday 8am to 6.30pm
  • visit the surgery and speak with a receptionist, Monday to Friday from 8am to 6.30pm

When you get in touch, we’ll ask what you need help with.

We will use the information you give us to choose the most suitable doctor, nurse or health professional to help you.

Routine appointments

To request a routine appointment in the next 7 days:

  • use our appointment request form, Monday to Friday 8am to 6.30pm. We will respond within 1 working day during opening hours
  • phone us on 01543 395 655, Monday to Friday from 8am to 6.30pm
  • visit the surgery and speak with a receptionist, Monday to Friday from 8am to 6pm

When you get in touch, we’ll ask what you need help with.

We will use the information you give us to choose the most suitable doctor, nurse or health professional to help you.

Your appointment

However you choose to contact us, we may offer you a consultation:

  • by phone
  • face to face at the surgery
  • on a video call
  • by text or email

Appointments by phone, video call or by text or email can be more flexible and often means you get help sooner.

Cancelling or changing an appointment

To cancel your appointment:

  • use your NHS account (through the NHS website or NHS App)
  • using the GP online system – Patient Access
  • phone us on 01543 395 655, Monday to Friday from 8am to 6.30pm
  • reply CANCEL to your appointment reminder text message

If you need help when we are closed

If you need medical help now, use NHS 111 online or call 111.

NHS 111 online is for people aged 5 and over. Call 111 if you need help for a child under 5.

Call 999 in a medical or mental health emergency. This is when someone is seriously ill or injured and their life is at risk.

If you need help with your appointment

Please tell us:

  • if there’s a specific doctor, nurse or other health professional you would prefer to respond
  • if you would prefer to consult with the doctor or nurse by phone, face-to-face, by video call or by text or email
  • if you need an interpreter
  • if you have any other access or communication needs

Home visits

The Surgery, with all its facilities, is the best place for a consultation. However, if you are housebound or too ill to come to Surgery, a Doctor will visit you at home.

Please telephone us for a home visit before 10.30am if possible. The Receptionist will ask you for some information about the problem and also for a telephone number so that we can contact you. You may be put through to the doctor or he or she may ring you back. If you feel that you require an urgent home visit, please make this clear at the time of telephoning.

Please remember that it takes a Doctor much longer to visit a patient at home than to undertake a consultation at the Surgery. Only request a home visit when it is absolutely necessary.