eCONSULT

Last Updated: Friday, 27 September 2024

All submissions are received and processed at Westway Medical Centre.

Often, we can handle the request online. In some circumstances, we may provide advice, request investigations, offer a prescription, or arrange a follow-up appointments.

 You will always receive a text message informing you of the outcome once your request has been dealt with, please ensure you have consented to receive texts.

Please follow these guidelines:

  • Only use eCONSULT for routine care requests - the response time is generally several working days and may exceed a week during busy periods.
  • Do NOT use eCONSULT if you are ill or need urgent attention - this creates clinical risks.
  • Search for the specific reason or symptom you are enquiring about to ensure the correct questions are asked and to reduce duplication.
  • If you need to speak with or see a clinician, please call to arrange an appointment to avoid duplication and save clinical time.
  • Use only one eCONSULT per presentation, as questions are tailored accordingly.

eCONSULT works well for:

  • Skin and visual issues - please include a photograph.
  • New depression and anxiety - you will be asked to complete a questionnaire.
  • Contraception requests and menstrual-related symptoms.
  • Musculoskeletal issues (e.g., muscle sprain, joint pain, back pain).
  • Urinary symptoms including discharge.
  • Coughs and upper respiratory symptoms.
  • Bowel symptoms including rectal bleeding, changes in bowel habits, indigestion, bloating, diarrhoea.
  • Feeling "tired all the time."
  • Administrative requests including sick notes.

eCONSULT is NOT suitable for:

  • Multiple symptoms and highly complex cases.
  • Chest pain.
  • Shortness of breath.
  • Tonsillitis.
  • Abdominal pain of unknown cause.
  • New lumps (especially breast lumps, testicular lumps, or persistent lymph nodes).
  • Any acute illness causing the patient to feel ill.
  • Mental health crises including suicidal and psychotic symptoms.
  • Significant concern of cancer.

You can also access direct help from the following services:

  • Litherland Town Hall Health Centre
  • St Chads, Kirkby
  • Ormskirk Urgent Treatment Centre
  • NHS 111 via telephone for general advice and GP out-of-hours, you can find more information via Get help for your symptoms - NHS 111
  • Local pharmacies including Care at the Chemist provided by Meadows Pharmacy & Station Pharmacy in Maghull

Links via our website and NHS UK