What is Man MOT?
Man MOT is a free, confidential online health information service designed by and for men in England - in this case, men in Wandsworth. You can use it at anytime. You can text chat directly to an NHS GP about any health problem at all twice a week.
Can you really access it from anywhere?
Yes, anywhere you can get online. It works on computer, tablet or smart phone.
Do I need an appointment?
No - just go online.
When are you open?
We're open for emails all the time. The opening hours of the chat 'surgeries' are on the Man MOT home page.
Can I use it without giving my name?
The service is totally confidential. Nothing you say will be shared with anyone. But if you'd prefer not to give your name, no problem. Or you can use any name you want.
For the chat service, you just ask your question. Sometimes the GP might ask your age or for other information to help them to help you better. For the email service, obviously you need to include your email address.
Is it anything to do with the NHS?
All our GPs are NHS-trained and fully qualified. The project is funded by the Department of Health but it's nothing to do with the NHS as such. It is entirely separate from your GP. Nobody will know you've used Man MOT unless you tell them.
Can I save my 'chat'?
Yes, you can print it out or email it to yourself - again confidentially. This is really useful because you can show it to your own GP if you want to follow up what the Man MOT GP has said to you.
Can you diagnose an illness on internet chat?
No, you can't. This is really important. On Man MOT you can talk about anything you want. Our GPs and experts can discuss options with you and direct you to health services if necessary. But we can't give individualised medical advice or offer a medical diagnosis. Only your own GP can do that. This is made clear in our terms and conditions which you'll need to agree to before chatting.
Where are your GPs from?
They're all fully-qualified GPs, all trained in the UK with have many, many years of NHS experience between them
Was Man MOT really designed by a group of men?
Yes, to some extent. Men in London, health professionals, local health champions and other partners were all involved. We wanted to design a one-stop shop which is more accessible to men than existing services and which will improve men’s awareness of their health risks, help them get treatment sooner if needed and point them in the direction of local services. We'd love to know what you think about it.
What's it like?
Try it and see. Or listen to comedian John Ryan's podcast:
