Patients at nearly all GP practices (98.7%) in England can now access their surgery online, thanks to government changes allowing patients to submit online consultation requests open during work hours (8am – 6.30pm).
A record eight million online requests were submitted by patients in October after the requirement was introduced. This was an increase of one fifth on the previous month, and an increase of two thirds on last year.
For the first time the ONS Health Insights Survey shows that of those who completed this survey, more contacted their GP practice online than by phone.
Improving access to general practice is vital in easing pressures on other parts of the health system, especially ahead of winter. Currently around four million patients attend A&E every year with non-urgent issues because they can’t access their local GP, heaping unnecessary demand on already overcrowded hospitals.
Online requests will be a critical tool for these patients and the health service this winter, providing flexibility and convenience.
Health Secretary Wes Streeting said: "In the 21st century, patients expect to be able to manage healthcare at their fingertips, and so they should. We organise so much of our lives online, there’s no reason the NHS should be any different. I want to thank GPs and their teams for rolling this out. Eight million patients used online access in October alone, taking advantage of the flexibility and convenience. These numbers show there was huge appetite from patients and a can-do attitude from GPs. We promised to end the 8am scramble, and this is a massive step towards that ambition. After more than a decade of decline, we are bringing our analogue NHS into the digital age."
The government claims that online access will free up GP phone lines across the country helping to end the 8am scramble and making it easier than ever for people to get in contact with their practice and get the care they need. 98.7% of GP practices confirmed that their online consultation tool is switched on for the duration of core hours as per the contract regulations for non-urgent requests. 5981 of 6207 (96.4%) GP practices responded.
Dr Amanda Doyle, NHS England National Director for Primary Care and Community Services, said: "We are making it easier than ever for people to get the care they need from their GP team. More than eight million patients used online consultation services last month alone, a clear sign that this is what many people want and it helps keep phone lines free for those who prefer to call. I want to thank our hard-working GPs and practice teams who are doing everything they can to support patients get the care they need, especially as we head into the winter months.
"Flu arrived earlier than expected this year, so we’re urging people to come forward for their flu jab - it’s not too late. Getting protected before the festive period is one of the most important steps we can all take to help keep ourselves well and support the health service through the colder months."
Rachel Power, Chief Executive, Patients Association said: "Patients have consistently said that timely access to their GP can make or break their care, and many have asked for reliable online services to make managing their health fit around the realities of daily life. It’s encouraging to see more consistent digital access opening up genuine opportunities for flexible, essential contact — important steps towards breaking down the barriers that keep people from accessing care."
