What is Anima?

 

Anima is a total triage system that will allow our team to continue to improve access times by helping us direct you to the most appropriate care for your medical needs. This ensures we make use of our limited resources in the most safe and efficient way.

 

All appointment requests will be clinically triaged and appointments offered according to clinical urgency and need. By using this triage system, it means that we will more equitably and effectively manager our patients and connect them efficiently to the right person, in the right service.

 

How do I access Anima?

 

Anima works in a similar way to our current eConsult service, but acts as a single point of access for all doctors' appointments and health-related queries (nurse appointments can still be booked by telephone). The system will allow you to submit a request for medical or administrative help without having to call the surgery and wait in a queue.

 

You will need an Anima account to sign into the service. We recommend you set this up in advance of our go-live date, so you can use your account straight away when you need it. You can do this via the link below.

 

 https://patients.animahealth.com/blue/signIn?name=R2xlbXNmb3JkIFN1cmdlcnk%3D

 

When is Anima being introduced?

 

Anima will be introduced on Tuesday, 17 December 2024, and will replace the 'dial in' model we currently use.

Please note: From Monday 2nd December we will no longer be adding patients to our routine waiting list, so that we can clear patients currently waiting.

 

What are the opening times for Anima?

 

We aim to have Anima open from 7.30am to 4pm, every weekday (excluding Bank Holidays).

 

Occasionally, we may have to close Anima early. Please see below for more details.

 

Why would Anima close early? 

 

On some days, demand for GP appointments far outweighs the safe capacity we can provide. On these days, we may turn Anima off early because we are full.

 

If you have an urgent concern in these situations, please call the reception team on 01787 280484 and they will be happy to help.

 

How soon will I hear back?

 

We aim to respond to all queries the same day (including offering appointments, so please contact us early on the day you are available). We will no longer have pre-bookable appointments for the majority of conditions.

 

Some more routine queries may take us a few days to get back to you. You can always check the status of your query via your Anima dashboard. We will respond to you in the first instance via your Anima account.

 

Why is the surgery changing to Anima?

 

GP practices are experiencing significant strain with declining GP numbers and increasing demand. Ensuring that patients are seen by the appropriate clinician, in the right place, and at the right time means that patient care and experience is improved. It will also reduce pressure on GP practices, allowing GPs to spend their time where it is needed the most.

 

The idea behind a total digital triage is to also avoid the “8am rush” which has become a problem for many. This approach is supported by NHS England who have advised that GP surgeries consider this approach in future.

 

Can I use Anima to request a repeat prescription?

 

Currently, the process of requesting medication through Anima is not the easiest method.

 

We would recommend you use the NHS app to request your repeat prescriptions.

 

Can I book nurse appointments through Anima?

 

You can certainly use Anima to request nurse appointments, but these can also be booked by calling reception in the usual way.

 

The only appointments that should be requested through Anima are GP appointments.

 

Is Anima an app?

 

No, Anima is not an app currently. It can only be accessed through the website. The Anima team are working on integration with the NHS app and we will update you when this has happened.

 

You can log into Anima using your NHS app login credentials, or create your own unique Anima username and password.

 

Can I contact Anima directly?

 

Yes. We encourage you to email Anima’s support team on support@animahealth.com if you have trouble using the website.

 

What happens if I can’t access Anima?

 

For patients who meet any of the criteria below, please be assured that you can still call the surgery on 01787 280484, where one of our reception team can submit an Anima request for you.

 

• You do not have access to the internet, or struggle using it.
• You have a language barrier.
• You have a disability.
• You are in mental health crisis.
• You are neurodivergent

 

What do I do now? 

 

Sign up to Anima now, so that it's easy to use when you need it. There are a number of videos available to help you do this:

 

How to create an account: https://youtu.be/293KkkYtvfA?feature=shared

 

How to add a dependent: https://youtu.be/KevBODBMkho?feature=shared

 

How to submit a request: https://youtu.be/5qnA8mFFh2A?feature=shared

 

Next steps for request: https://youtu.be/A20J_r766UQ?feature=shared

 

How to book an appointment: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M9lC2nkK_iA

 

Who can I ask for help?

There will be help available at the surgery in the two weeks prior to Anima go-live, between the 3^rd and 16^th December. If you need help setting up an account, or for someone to explain more about the system, please contact the reception team and request a call back.

We will also be offering a 'drop-in' chat for those with concerns or questions. This will take place on Wednesday 11th December between 5:30pm and 6:30 pm in the practice. Please let our reception team know if you would like to attend so we can accommodate all interested parties.