Specialist intermediary Towergate Health & Protection has launched GP Hero, a new service that it says will enables employees to receive “unlimited advice” and “reassurance” from a doctor 24/7.
The service – which also offers, “where appropriate”, diagnosis – is being offered to the consultancy firm’s SME, corporate PMI and group risk clients that wish to provide employees and their families with fast access to primary care services.
The minimum group size is three employees and the service, which can also be used from overseas, is provided by HealthHero, formerly known as Medical Solutions.
Paul Nattrass, commercial director at HealthHero, said: “We are delighted to be able to give Towergate Health & Protection’s clients the peace of mind that they can consult with a GP and get expert medical support and advice at any time and from anywhere.”
Users can choose between a phone or video appointment and a male or female GP. There is a translation service, covering over 200 languages, and private prescriptions can be issued for collection from a pharmacy or delivery to any UK address. If symptoms require further investigation or treatment, the GPs can issue an open private referral letter to enable access to continued treatment.
A Towergate Health & Protection spokesperson said that the pandemic has resulted in long-term changes in health and wellbeing behaviours and there has been a “sea-change” in attitudes regarding accessing healthcare remotely with many people “now actively preferring this option.
The spokesperson said that GP Hero allows employers to deliver a “whole-of-workforce” solution and extended online GP access, which traditionally has only been available to those employees insured on private medical insurance or group risk insurance policies.
Brett Hill, distribution director at Towergate Health & Protection, said: “We are really excited by this new service. It means that companies of all sizes will be able to offer online GP access to all employees. This is a highly valuable and valued employee benefit, which will bring tangible positive support in these unprecedented difficult times.”