31/07/2026
🤖 AI Myth Busters – Setting the Record Straight
We've heard lots of questions about our new AI-assisted system, Anima, so we'd like to bust a few common myths.
❌ MYTH 1: "AI has replaced the reception team."
✅ FACT: No members of staff have lost their jobs.
Anima is not replacing our receptionists or clinicians. It simply helps gather information before your request is reviewed by a member of our clinical team. Our reception staff are still here to help, answer calls, support patients and submit requests on your behalf if you cannot use Anima yourself.
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❌ MYTH 2: "I'll never speak to a real person."
✅ FACT: You absolutely will.
Every request is reviewed by our practice team. If you need an appointment or a phone call, we'll arrange this. Technology supports our staff – it doesn't replace the human care that matters most.
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❌ MYTH 3: "I have to use the internet."
✅ FACT: You don't.
If you don't have internet access or aren't confident using technology, contact our Reception team via phone and you can ask to speak to a member of the team. They can complete an Anima request for you and keep you updated by phone or text.
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❌ MYTH 4: "It's just another barrier to getting an appointment."
✅ FACT: It's designed to improve access.
Anima helps us understand your problem before we contact you, so we can direct you to the right clinician first time. It also helps reduce the traditional 8am rush, meaning patients can submit requests from 8:00am rather than repeatedly calling the practice.
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❌ MYTH 5: "If Anima is closed, the surgery is closed."
✅ FACT: Not at all.
On very busy days, we may close health submissions once we've reached the maximum number we can safely manage that day. This allows our clinical team to safely assess every patient who has already contacted us.
If your problem is urgent when submissions have closed, please use NHS 111. In a medical emergency, always call 999 or attend your nearest Emergency Department.
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❌ MYTH 6: "AI decides if I can see a GP."
✅ FACT: Our clinicians make the decisions.
Anima provides information and highlights urgent symptoms, but our clinical team decides what care you need, whether that's advice, a prescription, a nurse appointment, a GP appointment or referral to another NHS service.
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❌ MYTH 7: "My information isn't secure."
✅ FACT: Your data is protected.
Anima meets NHS and UK Government security standards. Your information is encrypted and stored securely within the UK.
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❌ MYTH 8: "I can only use Anima for GP appointments."
✅ FACT: You can use it for much more.
You can request:
✔️ GP appointments
✔️ Nurse and Healthcare Assistant appointments
✔️ Long-term condition reviews
✔️ Cervical screening
✔️ B12 injections
✔️ Repeat prescription requests
✔️ Many other routine services
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🌟 Why have we introduced Anima?
General practice is busier than ever, with increasing patient demand and fewer GPs nationwide.
Using Anima helps us:
✅ Prioritise patients based on clinical need.
✅ Make sure you see the right clinician.
✅ Reduce duplicate requests.
✅ Keep clearer medical records.
✅ Respond more efficiently.
✅ Free up clinicians to spend more time caring for patients.
Many problems can be safely managed without a face-to-face appointment, helping those who do need to be seen more quickly.
💙 Our priority has not changed. We are committed to providing safe, compassionate care, and Anima is one of the tools helping us do that while keeping our Reception team and clinicians at the heart of your care.
As with all new systems, it will take time and some tweaks are required along the way. We appreciate this is a big change for our patients that all GP practices are making across England.
If you have questions about Anima, please let us know—we're always happy to help
