Page 27 - WMPF Federation Oct-Nov 2021-flip_Neat

Member benefits

Fed’s Care on Demand

service takes hassle out

of seeing a GP

e all know how difficult it can be Federation, explains: on holiday and their wife ran out of
to get a GP appointment for a “Because we’ve been a medication. They were able to use the app to
Wfamily member or yourself, and well-run branch for many get her seen and have a prescription emailed
that was even before the pandemic hit. years, we are able to cover to their nearest pharmacy while they were
Since then, it is not unheard to be unable the costs and provide this in Spain, so it’s a great service.”
to see a GP for two or even three weeks, and additional service free to Our ageing population, obesity (resulting
for police officers working shifts this can be our members as part of in diabetes, hypertension etc), mental health
particularly tricky. their Group Insurance subscription. issues and more, have put serious pressure
Thankfully, this is not a problem for West “Even before the pandemic it was really on an already stretched NHS. This is evident
Midlands Police Federation members who difficult to see a GP and it’s even harder now. in waiting times not just for in-patient
pay into the Group Insurance Scheme. This is We’ve all had that experience of no treatment but also in getting an
because of the Care on Demand scheme appointments available for a couple of appointment with your GP. One in 10
which the Federation is providing to those weeks or having to make a mad phone call at currently wait three weeks to see their GP.
members at no extra charge. 8am for when the surgery opens. More reason then, to take advantage of
You can download the Care on Demand “The Care on Demand service bypasses Care on Demand through the Police
app and use it to book a face-to-face video all of that. They get back to you on the same Federation’s Group Insurance Scheme, if you
call with a GP on the same day. They can day with a face-to-face video appointment haven’t already.
arrange a referral for you as well as and can arrange a referral or any prescription For any non-emergency case, whether
prescriptions. you need. I’ve known of officers who have physical or mental, you can discuss your
This is just one other way that the been off sick, and a judge has ordered them health concerns with a GMC licensed GP, via
Federation is working to ease some of the to attend court. Previously, they might have phone or video consultation. Calls can
daily pressures on our busy officers, as well struggled to see a GP and be excused from normally be arranged within two hours of
as providing peace of mind for you and your attending, but Care on Demand can resolve your request. And unlike a GP visit, there is
nearest and dearest. this. “We also had a member who was abroad no time limit on the consultation (video
consults up to 30mins) and you can ask

Jon Nott, chair of West Midlands Police

“ Because we’ve been a well-run branch for more than one question.
The service is not intended to replace

many years, we are able to cover the costs and
your own GP but to work on conjunction, in
provide this additional service free to our line with the Government’s strategy of
introducing digital solutions to the NHS.
For more information, including answers
members as part of their Group Insurance to common questions and links for
subscription. downloading the app, see the Federation’s
website.
“

www.polfed.org/westmids federation October/November 2021 27