Babylon launches GP at Hand in Birmingham

Babylon Health has launched its virtual GP service, GP at Hand, in Birmingham as part of its national expansion.

This news follows NHS England blocking plans for the roll-out of the London-based digital GP platform last summer after NHS Birmingham and Solihull Clinical Commissioning Group raised concerns over patient access to screening and immunisation services.

However, a solution had been found to integration with local services, with Babylon announcing further clinics in Birmingham and the surrounding area soon.

Registrations with Babylon GP at Hand will be limited to 2,600 people in the first three months as Babylon works with the local NHS authorities to carefully roll out the service.

Babylon GP at Hand was previously based in London with five clinics and more than 52,000 users.

‘Many people have been used to waiting two or more weeks for a GP appointment,’ said Matthew Noble, UK medical director at Babylon. ‘Babylon GP at Hand is loved by patients as they can often see a GP within 30 minutes, it’s valued by GPs who can enjoy flexible working, it helps reduce visits to A&E and it doesn’t cost the NHS a penny more, in fact it can save the NHS money.’

‘The practice is open to everyone – for those with more complex conditions who really struggle with everyday living, we have a care coordination team that has frequent contact to help them manage,’ Noble continued.