Nye Health, a free remote communications platform that connects patients with their own GPs via smartphones and video has revealed that in recent weeks, it has scaled its operations from covering a handful of practices in Oxford to the whole of the UK, and now connects over 10m UK patients with their GP.

The company is using Twilio’s video and phone APIs to power its free remote GP and hospital doctor communications solution, the Nye Phone. This is an NHS-compliant browser and app-based solution that is enabling GP surgeries, hospitals and hospices to hold secure remote consultations with patients via phone or video.

Built by a group of GPs, engineers and scientists, the free platform is helping GP surgeries and hospitals across the UK continue to offer care throughout the crisis. With GP surgeries operating vastly reduced access and many doctors working from home during the COVID-19 lockdown, Nye Health has rapidly scaled its platform in just a few weeks to ensure surgeries and hospitals across the UK could benefit from the service.

Compatible with any device, clinicians can make video and phone calls from wherever they are. Nye Health used Twilio’s Programmable Video and Programmable Voice solutions to build the Nye Phone’s call and video experience. The platform is growing at a rate of 200 per cent each week and is being used in two main ways.

The first is to enable GPs, hospital doctors and nursing staff to contact patients when a surgery or outpatients department is closed or the doctor is working from home. Crucially, the tool protects local GP-patient links and protects the GPs personal information, such as phone numbers.

It is also being used to provide COVID-19 patients in hospitals with a way to video call loved ones. All personal information is protected when routed through the app, so doctors and nurses can use their personal devices to help make calls on behalf of patients.

“Our mission is to use technology to help GPs, hospital doctors and nurses continue to care for their patients in a way that is safe and effective,” said Nye Health founder and CEO, Dr Alexander Finlayson. “A clinician’s time is now more crucial than ever, so it is essential that our platform could save, not strain, this invaluable resource. Twilio’s technology has helped us achieve this and ensure doctors and patients can stay connected during these uncertain times.”

Nye Health’s phone and video call system is fully encrypted and compliant with NHS Digital standards. It can also integrate with existing NHS systems, meaning all appointments and information are compatible with NHS standards.