Important Update: New Appointment Request System – Monday 12th May 2025

Please be advised that eConsult will be permanently closed from 1:00 PM on Friday, 9th May 2025. We are closing the service early on that day to ensure that all submitted eConsults can be fully triaged and completed before the system is decommissioned.

After listening to patient feedback, we are pleased to introduce Anima, our new online triage system that replaces eConsult, from 8am on Monday 12th May 2025. This change is part of our commitment to improving the way patients access appointments and other healthcare services.

Anima is a secure platform that integrates directly and confidentially with your medical record. It enhances how you request care and how our triage team assesses and manages your needs. The triage process will remain the same. You will submit your requests online and our navigation team, including a clinician will review them to determine the most appropriate care. All appointment requests will continue to be prioritised based on clinical urgency and need. This system helps us provide fairer, more efficient care, connecting each patient with the right person or service as quickly as possible.

 

Anima Triage Availability

Anima will be available during the same hours as eConsult: Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM.

Please note that the triage service will be closed on weekends, as the surgery is also closed and there are no staff available to review requests during this time. This approach also ensures fairness for patients who are unable to access Anima online. 

In rare cases, we may need to close Anima earlier on a weekday afternoon, this will only happen when absolutely necessary, such as during staffing shortages or if we reach clinical capacity for the day.

 

Need support using Anima?

If you meet any of the criteria below, please be assured that you can still contact the surgery by phone on 01474 814811  Our Reception Team will be happy to help:

  • You do not have access to the internet, or find it difficult to use

  • You face a language barrier

  • You have a disability

  • You are experiencing a mental health crisis

  • You are neurodivergent

     

When to Use Anima Online Triage

You can use Anima to submit requests for the following:

  • Medical advice for new or ongoing health concerns

  • Administrative queries (e.g. letters, forms, or general questions)

  • Prescription-related queries

  • Requests for sick notes or fit notes

  • Requests for a home visit

  • Follow-up on test results

  • Checking the status of a referral

  • Enquiries about medical reports or other non-NHS services

     

 How to Access Anima Online

You can access Anima online in the following ways:

  • Through this link: Anima for patients

  • Via the NHS App: If you have the NHS App, you can access Anima directly through the app.

  • Via our website: Simply visit our website and click on the Anima link to start the process.

You can watch a demonstration video by clicking here

 

Thank you for your understanding and support

anima-comms

Published: May 2, 2025