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Special Allocation Service for South East London

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AskFirst App

Ask First App
AskFirst App on iPhone

AskFirst is a new app commissioned by NHS Lewisham Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) to help patients get the right healthcare they need at the right time. It has been developed by a local GPs and leading IT company, Sensely. Using the app can help patients take more control of their own health

We are working hard to make sure that patients in Lewisham get the right service when they need it. For patients that need to see a GP we want to make sure that they can get access through mobile phone or smart devices.

We have been commissioned to develop and deliver AskFirst to support patients, registered with a Lewisham GP get easier access to primary care services.

The AskFirst app is free to download and features an interactive symptom checker which triages the patient to the most appropriate onward care service (self-care, NHS111, GP appointment or accident and emergency) within appropriate timescale, effectively helping patients to choose the right service in Lewisham.

Book an appointment, Check your symptoms, Get trusted self-care advice, Available 24/7 — Putting you first in line all of the time — Ask First

How does it work?

The app enables patients to interact with a virtual health care assistant called Olivia, she asks a series of questions (approximately 15) to assess your symptoms. Using NICE accredited evidence based protocol, based on your responses, Olivia will recommend the most appropriate onward care which includes self-care advice, appropriate GP appointment, GP call back, advice from NHS.uk and direction to urgent or emergency care.

For patients that need to see a GP, it is able to prioritise into more urgent appointment slots based on their needs and offer less urgent needs a later appointment. Patients are able to directly book an appointment without having to call the practice. In addition, a transcript of the questions and answers is sent to the patients practice, helping to make the consultation more efficient and effective.

The AskFirst app is free to download and features an interactive symptom checker which triages the patient to the most appropriate onward care service (self-care, NHS111, GP appointment or A&E) within appropriate timescale, effectively helping patients to choose the right service in Lewisham.

For patients that need to see a GP, it is able to prioritise into more urgent appointment slots based on their needs and offer less urgent needs a later appointment. Patients are able to directly book an appointment without having to call the practice. In addition, a transcript of the questions and answers is sent to the patients practice, helping to make the consultation more efficient and effective.

Where do I get the app from?

AskFirst is available on both IOS, Android phones and smart devices. It is free to download.

Download on the Apple App Store

Can I book an appointment with my GP?

Depending on your symptoms, if you need to see a GP the app will direct you to appropriate appointments available at your GP practice.

Who can access the app?

If your practice has connected to AskFirst you will be able to book GP appointments if appropriate. Anyone can download the symptom checker. Patients under the age of 18 years old or with mental health symptoms are advised to contact their GP.

When can I use the app?

The app is available to access 24 hours a day, 7 days a week on your personal device.

How to Videos

Introducing AskFirst (formerly Ask NHS)

Getting Started with AskFirst (Downloading and creating an account)

Check Your Symptoms with AskFirst

How To Book a Video Appointment

How To Book a Telephone Appointment

Make General Enquiries and Admin Requests

How To Book a Physio appointment

Request Medication with AskFirst