Waiting times for ultrasound appointments in West Hertfordshire have been slashed from nine months to just two weeks.

Thirteen GP practices within the PCT now use a streamlined electronic bookings system, which allows patients rapid access to ultrasound scans in primary care venues.

One practice acts as a central ‘hub’ – receiving all GP referrals and booking patient appointments using the EMIS Web IT system, which enables the secure sharing of information between the different sites. The ultrasound clinicians can view appointment information across all venues in advance, and record details of each consultation using special EMIS Web templates. Results are forwarded by the hub to the referring practice within two days.

Dr Kapil Kedia from Colney Medical Centre, who helped to establish the programme, said: “We have seen phenomenal improvements in patient care.

“It used to take nine months to get a non-urgent ultrasound appointment. Now, a patient will often get a call on their mobile phone with a date before they have left the GP surgery. All patients are seen within two weeks of referral.

“EMIS Web has helped us to work much more smartly. For the first time, GPs can use ultrasound as a valuable diagnostic tool. Previously, the time delay meant this was wholly impractical. Being able to make instant, electronic referrals while the patient is still in the room is a big advantage.” 

Further information

For more information about upgrading from an existing EMIS system, please contact us on 0845 123 4455 or email .

For information on moving to EMIS from another clinical system, please contact us on 0845 125 5536 or email .

 Along with the patient benefits, we have made significant time savings.

Dr Kapil Kedia, Colney Medical Centre