Everything you need to know

The quickest way to access the service is via the free Consultant Connect App (download on the App Store or Google Play). Only devices running on an Apple operating system (iOS) of 15 and above or an Android operating system of 11 and above will support the Consultant Connect App. This is to comply with the latest data protection regulations. Within the app, clinicians can make calls, send messages, and take photos at the touch of a button*. For locums or clinicians who work across multiple organisations, you can toggle between practices in participating NHS areas under ‘Profile’.

The Consultant Connect App is a cloud-based service; therefore, no patient information is stored on the device or within the app. This includes the safe clinical photography feature – PhotoSAF. Photos taken via the app are stored in an IG-secure and GDPR-compliant cloud, not on the device, meaning photos won’t appear on your camera roll or in the recently deleted folder. The photos are automatically sent to your NHS email address. They can also be accessed via Consultant Connect in your browser from any device by logging in using your credentials for the app. In areas where sharing is enabled, photos and messages can also be sent directly to specialist teams for A&G within the app.

For those who prefer to use their desktop or cannot access the app, Telephone A&G calls can be made via Consultant Connect in your browser. Simply log in using your credentials for the app or sign up with your NHS email address. Clinicians accessing Consultant Connect in their browser can also send messages for advice, attaching existing files/photos when necessary.

Telephone A&G can also be accessed by calling your surgery’s unique Dial-In Number from any phone. Your Dial-In Number, the specialties you have access to, and their operating hours can be found in your Service Directory. If you do not have your Dial-In Number or Service Directory link, please contact the Consultant Connect Team at hello@consultantconnect.org.uk.

The time it takes a clinician to connect to a specialist for Telephone A&G is just 30 seconds (UK average).

If you are a locum clinician, work within multiple organisations, or have recently changed practice, please email hello@consultantconnect.org.uk for us to provide you with the correct access.

* Features/specialties available will differ by NHS area.

The service is paid for by your local NHS commissioning organisation, meaning there is no cost to users other than the cost of a local call if you are seeking Telephone A&G. The Consultant Connect App can be downloaded for free on the App Store or Google Play.

You can reset your password here.

No, this service aims to provide users with additional options for quicker and more efficient access to advice and guidance. Pre-existing routes, such as email and local referral systems, will remain available.

The specialties available and the hours of operation are agreed upon by the Acute/Mental Health Trust/Hospital Teams and your local NHS commissioning organisation.

Calls will only be routed to specialists during the agreed hours of operation. Calls will not be routed to specialists outside these agreed hours, and specialists are automatically excluded from rotas during any notified holiday periods. Mobile numbers of those seeking and providing advice and guidance are never shared with users.

As well as the Consultant Connect App showing a complete list of the available specialties and their operating hours, each GP practice has a Service Directory listing this information. The Consultant Connect App and Service Directory are automatically updated whenever changes are made to the service, such as new specialties being added.

The clinician seeking the advice remains responsible for deciding what treatment is to be provided following receipt of the guidance and whether a referral or admission is appropriate for the patient.