An increasing number of practices already have their own website up and running - sometimes put together by one of the partners with a natural ability in this regard, but increasingly done professionally. Most practices could benefit from a website to keep their patients up-to-date with new developments in the practice.

The content of the practice brochure can be simply incorporated onto the website, but because it does not need to be typeset and printed, it can be kept constantly updated. A Bulletin Board can alert patients to doctors' absences - on holiday for example, or the presence for a few weeks of a locum doctor. Much of the information that goes up on the Notice Board in Reception could be posted onto the Bulletin Board.

A repeat prescription request form can be incorporated, allowing patients to submit requests by e-mail - much more convenient for them and your overworked staff than trying to get through on a prescriptions 'hotline'. It may be possible in future for the prescription requests to be validated by a partner electronically and simply e-mailed to a local pharmacy for the prescriptions to be made up.

Our webdesign services are provided by Spyder Webdesign. To explore any of the areas mentioned above, please feel free to email Jason Condie at JasonCondie@gmail.com.