Patients from across Waveney and Great Yarmouth are being encouraged to sign up to a new online service which allows for faster access to medical care.

GP Online is free to use and makes it quicker and easier to book GP appointments, view test results and order repeat prescriptions.

The system provides the opportunity for patients to access a range of services via the internet or by using an app on their smartphone or tablet.

Dr Paul Berry, retained GP with NHS Great Yarmouth and Waveney Clinical Commissioning Group, said: 'GP Online is a convenient and easy-to-use service which is available to every patient in Great Yarmouth and Waveney.

'It makes it simple to book an appointment, view test results or renew prescriptions outside of normal office hours, without having to telephone your surgery or visit in person.

'By freeing up the phone lines, the service also makes it easier for patients who don't want to use GP Online to get through by telephone.'

He added: 'Having access to their GP records also means that people are more in control of their health and wellbeing.

'This is particularly helpful for anyone who is living with a long-term condition such as diabetes, which needs regular checking and frequent prescriptions.

'GP Online comes in addition to the more traditional ways of contacting your GP, such as via the telephone or face-to-face, and aims to give patients the choice to use which route they prefer.

'We would encourage any patient who is comfortable using the internet to sign up and start using the service for free.'

To sign up to the online service patients must visit their GP with some form of photo ID and can sign up on the spot.

Once enrolled in the service patients will then be able to:

• book or cancel appointments with a GP or nurse

• renew or order repeat prescriptions

• view parts of their GP health record, including information about medication, allergies, vaccinations and previous illnesses

• view their test results

For more information on the services available from the clinical commissioning group visit: www.greatyarmouthandwaveneyccg.nhs.uk