When Dr Raj Laly was planning and co-founded AccessU in 2024, he knew that digital presence and communication would be an important element of the business, but as technology advances at an increasing speed, he freely admits that the efficiency and services provided by online capability has been crucial to the clinic’s popularity and success. Having just launched AccessU’s new online booking platform, he explains AccessU’s digital journey so far.
At the start, let me just declare that I am a supporter of technology. I am fascinated when I can see it being harnessed by the health sector for the development, efficiency and effectiveness of both new and existing services. Of course, it needs to be tested, scrutinized and introduced with careful consideration and proven success, but the potential for technology to improve healthcare I always find an exciting prospect.
Having said that, I still underestimated the possibilities technology would give AccessU in just a couple of years.
The ‘Online Shop Window’
The first step was obvious. Like any modern businesses, we paid attention to the website – the ‘online shop window’. Aesthetic elements such as branding, tone and style needed to be combined with easy navigation, clear information and contact details.
In healthcare I believe there is also need for a focus on transparency and credibility. I feel is important when we are asking people to trust us with the most personal and precious part of their lives – their health. We needed to provide a source of reassurance that our staff are experienced, qualified and we adhere to the highest professional standards
You then have to make sure that the website works on the many forms of devices it will be viewed – computers, laptops, tablets and phones, (increasingly, we have learned, in reverse order.)
Once the website was live, we wanted it to be seen. We engaged a company to help support us in optimising and developing the site so it could be found by people using search engines such as Google for the services we offer. We also began posting on social media and ensuring we had online profiles with Meta and Google Business.
Putting Patients First
We always knew that we wanted to offer people the convenience of video consultations. Whether using video links on computers, or Facetime on their phones, we understood that to see a doctor during a lunch hour at work, or whilst being at home would appeal to some patients, but we did not foresee just how popular it would be (and is)!
That is an example where technology really has transformed the way people can look after themselves and, with online private prescriptions when needed, it has seen a revolution where healthcare can fit in with the patient’s life, instead of the other way round.
Direct Booking
Patients have always been able to get in touch with us via email or the contact form on the website, and after analysing the times we were receiving messages, we knew it was because they could be used 24/7, so we thought we would take it one step further and allow people to book their appointment directly with us at a time that suited them.
We created a bespoke online booking platform so patients no longer need to wait for a reply or make a phone call, just book an available appointment time, and it is yours! Take a look at our booking platform here.
In conclusion, technology has not only been a great asset to the promotion of AccessU, and equally to the services, facilities and convenience we can offer patients. Our next project is video and exploring that as a way of engaging with people wanting to know more about how we can help, so stay tuned for that!
As our name suggests, it provides access to us, our knowledge, our expertise and our services when you want it.