In the UK we have launched an instant GP access service to support small to medium sized enterprises (SME) with access to routine doctor’s appointments. 

Designed to enhance current employee benefits schemes, Livi’s new digital-first Employee Health Program offers access to on-demand video GP consultations, health and wellbeing content, prescriptions, fit notes and referrals for onward care and treatment. 

This app-based service enables SME employees to seek the care they need when they, or their family, need it, with access to Livi’s 500 healthcare professionals.

Jamie Griffin, Head of Commercial Partnerships, Livi UK: “With NHS GP waiting times at 7-14 days and 60 percent of common conditions not covered by mental and occupational programs or private insurers, a new solution is needed in the UK. 

“With our on-demand GP service, employees can skip the 8am appointment rush and have a video consultation at their convenience, whether at home, on the go, or in the office. This flexibility allows for early intervention, better work-life balance, and reduced in-person appointments, boosting productivity and minimising staff absences."

Livi’s service covers a range of conditions and symptoms from cardiovascular and auto-immune diseases through to sexual health, digestive and skin conditions; to common infections, musculoskeletal and paediatrics. 

Employees will access the appointment via the Livi app. Livi works with over 4000 practices in the UK and its clinicians have secure access to NHS care records which are updated post consultation for care continuity. Employees simply receive an email containing a voucher code to be redeemed for same-day access to a GP consultation with costs covered by their employer.

Jamie continues: “While many companies offer private medical insurance (PMI), it can be costly and restrictive for sectors like education and small-medium businesses in manufacturing and retail. Our on-demand GP service complements existing PMI schemes, helping businesses attract and retain talent while offering employees greater flexibility and convenience in accessing healthcare.”

A survey by Unum³ revealed that the equivalent of 201 million hours were taken by employees visiting the GP and other health professionals, with the average full-time worker spending 8.3 hours attending appointments last year. The average employee made up to 3.1 visits to their GP and 1.7 visits to specialists, of which 2.5 hours were taken as paid sick leave.

Of the 2,000 UK workers who responded to the poll, 60 percent said they found taking time off for these appointments ‘stressful’, while 25 percent said they had to cancel an appointment due to personal issues or their workload being too high. Employees being off sick is not only costing UK businesses an average of £672⁴ per week, but in some cases can lead to employees’ health issues escalating. 

For further information please visit the Livi website. 

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1. https://www.theguardian.com/society/2023/jul/23/patients-wait-over-14-days-gp-appointments-england-despite-government-pledge

2. https://www.mind.org.uk/news-campaigns/news/40-of-all-gp-appointments-about-mental-health/

3. https://www.activequote.com/articles/200m-working-hours-lost-to-health-appointments/ 

4. https://www.forbes.com/uk/advisor/business/average-uk-salary-by-age/