How Digital Healthcare Became My Go-To Lifeline (And Saved Me More Times Than I Can Count) - Hear from a Britannic Employee
"If you’d told me a few years ago that most of my doctor’s appointments would happen through an app, I would have laughed. But here I am, two years into using digital healthcare, and I can honestly say it’s saved me more times than I can count. It’s made what was once a frustrating process—booking appointments, waiting weeks to be seen, chasing prescriptions—so much easier and stress-free".
From Traditional GP Visits to Healthcare on Demand
When I started at Britannic, I was offered private healthcare through BUPA, but what really stood out was the digital aspect. After experiencing long waits for NHS appointments and the added challenges of post-COVID healthcare access, I was ready for something more accessible.
Digital healthcare gave me exactly that—instant access to doctors through video and voice calls, often on the same day I requested it. For someone working full-time, this was a must have. No more taking time off work, no more waiting for days or weeks for a slot to open up. I could handle my healthcare from anywhere, at any time, with just a few taps on my phone.
Why Digital Healthcare Is the Future
Here are a few key reasons why I believe digital healthcare is set to become an even more essential part of our future:
- Convenience - Digital healthcare has made it easy for me to see a doctor without leaving home, saving me the hassle of commuting and waiting in clinics.
- Reduced Wait Times - I can book same-day consultations, no more waiting weeks to see a GP or specialist.
- Accessibility - Whether I’m at work or traveling, I can access healthcare instantly, which has been a lifesaver in managing my health on the go.
- Cost-Effective - It’s saved me money on travel and time off work, and I appreciate that it’s more efficient for both patients and healthcare providers.
- Proactive Health Management - With apps tracking my medications and health records, I feel more in control of my well-being than ever before.
- Streamlined Referrals - Getting referred to specialists is now so easy—no paperwork, just quick online bookings and follow-ups.
- Data-Driven Insights - Health apps and wearables have given me real-time health data that I can share with my doctor for better, more personalised care.
- Specialist Access - I’ve had access to specialists from anywhere, without the need to wait for an appointment close to home.
- Pandemic-Ready - During COVID, digital healthcare would have been a lifeline for me, letting me manage my health safely from home.
- Mental Health Support - I’ve been able to access therapy online when I needed it, without the stress of going in person, making mental health care easier and more private.
- Sustainability - By cutting down on unnecessary trips and paperwork, I’m also doing my bit for the environment, which feels great.
How Digital Healthcare Simplified My Referral Process
Last year, I faced a situation where I needed specialist tests, and I couldn’t have been more relieved by how much smoother the process was with digital healthcare. After just a phone consultation, I was emailed a list of local specialists to choose from. I booked the appointment directly through the app, completed the tests, and received my results—all without the usual delays of waiting for GP referrals or letters in the post. Everything was handled digitally, which significantly reduced the stress and made the entire experience much more manageable.
Recognising the Privilege of Private Healthcare
Now, don’t get me wrong—having private healthcare that gives me access to these kinds of digital services has been an incredible privilege. I know that private healthcare isn’t an option for everyone, and that’s the reality. But it does make me wonder: why is access to this kind of seamless, digital healthcare so limited?
The technology exists, and it’s transforming the way people like me manage their health. Imagine how much more efficient the NHS could be if these kinds of solutions were widely available. We all know the NHS is under immense pressure, and digital healthcare could be part of the answer. With phone and video consultations, emailed prescriptions, and digital referrals, I’ve saved hours of time and avoided unnecessary GP visits. If the NHS could adopt more of these digital systems, it could help reduce waiting times, free up GP appointments for those who need them most and make healthcare more accessible for everyone.
Could the NHS Go Digital Healthcare Solutions?
I truly hope the NHS continues to adopt more digital solutions in the coming years. We’ve already seen some progress—during the pandemic, remote consultations became more common. But there’s so much potential for the NHS to go further. Imagine a future where most of our everyday healthcare needs—general consultations, routine prescriptions, mental health support—are managed digitally. It could ease the burden on GP surgeries, make healthcare more accessible, and give patients more control over how and when they access care.
With so much of our daily lives already managed digitally, from banking to shopping, it seems natural that healthcare should evolve in the same way. My experience has shown me that digital healthcare works. It’s reliable, effective, and puts control back in the hands of the patient.
Digital Healthcare Isn’t Just Convenient, It’s Life Changing
Looking back, I can’t imagine returning to the traditional ways that GPs work, even the thought of it stresses me out! Digital healthcare has transformed how I manage my health. For me, it’s been a lifeline, allowing me to take control of my well-being on my terms, without the usual hassles.
So, if you’re frustrated by long waits and complicated processes, I urge you to explore digital healthcare options where possible. And for those of us in the UK, let’s hope the NHS continues to embrace these technologies. Because if my experience has taught me anything, it’s that healthcare can be simple—and it should be.
