PATIENTS in the Wee County registered with Hallpark Medical Practice in Sauchie have quick access to services and advice thanks to an online system.

The Forth Medical Group, which runs the practice within Clackmannanshire Community Healthcare Centre, has this month launched the online service as a quicker and easier way to access the GPs.

Through the online system, called Klinik Access, patients can make appointments, order prescriptions, access self-help advice and more.

It is also available to people registered with Forth Medical Group at Bannockburn and Kersiebank and aims to give patients a more convenient way to submit routine queries.

Nicola Gillies, service development manager, told the Advertiser: "It's been very well received by patients already; we only started last Wednesday.

"It will be the case that some of the consultations will be online as well so they can chat with the GP online – we are looking to develop it in that way too so it's convenient for patients."

While the group was looking to implement the online service coronavirus or not, the pandemic has speeded up the process.

It is understood staff will aim to deal with all routine queries submitted on the say working day by 4pm, although it may not be possible at all times.

However, the key advantage of the online system is that people can log on to order a prescription, make an appointment or access self-help 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

People can access the online system even after the normal working hours when helpful staff are on hand between 8am and 6pm.

The service development manager added: "In such a short space of time the uptake and the engagement from patients has been quite overwhelming and the feedback has been really-really positive.

"It's something we were very excited about implementing and it's something that we are even more excited about taking forward."

Those with an urgent matter outside working hours are, importantly, still asked to contact 111 or 999 in an emergency.

Patients registered with the Hallpark practice can visit forthmedicalgroup.scot.nhs.uk and follow the instructions for Klinik Access with a green banner at the top of the website as well as a pop-up advertising the service.