Six months into the pandemic, many people now find they are nervous about attending GP or hospital appointments due to concerns about Covid-19. Laya Healthcare is encouraging people to look after their general health during the pandemic. The company, a major player in the health insurance market in Ireland, also operates a number of health and wellbeing clinics which can provide treatment for minor injuries and illnesses.
Recent research by Laya Healthcare found that 64 per cent of Galway people feel nervous about attending hospitals, while one in 10 have not sought treatment for minor illnesses and injuries this year. One in five have delayed seeking treatment.
According to John McCall, director of claims and provider relations with Laya, the company's clinics are very safe and people can attend with a variety of minor complaints, though those with illnesses are currently being asked to call in advance. The clinics, including the Laya Health and Wellbeing Clinic in Briarhill, are open to everyone.
"If you look at it in the context of our clinics people should feel very comfortable and safe going into them," Mr McCall said. "When people attend their temperature is taken, and they’re asked to sanitise their hands and wear a mask. They should feel comfortable around our own A&E doctors as they are gowned up."
The clinic treats a range of minor illnesses and injuries, from sprains and breaks to stomach bugs and sniffles. Treatment is available to Laya customers and non-customers, including those without private health insurance. Walk-in access is available for those with minor injuries, while people seeking treatment for a minor illness are asked to call in advance.
"Obviously if anyone has been in contact with someone with Covid or has it, we would ask them not to come to the clinic," Mr McCall added. "People are asked to phone in advance on 1890 933030, and they should make an appointment with one of our A&E doctors, because right now we don't consider it safe for a member to walk in with a minor illness."
Appointments are available face-to-face or via video consultation, depending on the issue. Two in five of all consultations are carried out via video; one of the benefits of digital medicine is that it is not limited by location and you can be assessed and treated as thoroughly as you would be in a physical setting, from the comfort and safety of your home. Almost half (47 per cent ) of people in Galway say that they would use video consultations with GPs and physios if available to them.
"Any issue than can be addressed over digital consultation will be," Mr McCall said, adding that face to face consultations were very safe for those attending the clinic. "We are taking every precaution necessary. A consultant A&E doctor oversees the clinics and he provides us with clinical governance."
Laya also offers the GP Live app, which allows Laya members to make a GP appointment and access healthcare either face to face or digitally. The app has seen a 250 per cent increase in usage since March. "It's much like FaceTime or Skype," Mr McCall said of the company's digital service. "Members can procure prescriptions etc. It's a very good service and it has worked very well."
Laya members can also access the Laya Health and Wellbeing Clinic, and the company covers the cost of the initial consultation, including X-rays if required.
"The benefit of being a Laya member is the initial consultation fee is waived and will be waived up to the end of the year," he explained. "You can access our wellbeing services at the clinic including the Heartbeat service and health coach service, which are unique to Laya Healthcare members."
Non-members can avail of the clinic's services at a price. Though more expensive than a typical visit to A&E, the convenience is worth the extra cost for many.
"A typical visit to A&E costs €110 or €120," Mr McCall said. "We charge €160 typically, it could be more or less depending on the issue, but we guarantee a 90 minute turnaround time. You have the benefit of not having to wait up to 12 hours, and it’s a very safe environment. It’s a full service and we have found the feedback in respect of the cost is that people are prepared to pay more."
Laya Health and Wellbeing Clinic in Briarhill Shopping Centre is open 10am to 10pm, 365 days a year. Please note the clinic offers A&E care for minor injuries and illnesses, and is not a GP service. To make an appointment call 1890 933030, or for more information see www.layahealthcare.ie/clinics/locations/galway
