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All GP practices in England are now required to keep their online consultation tools open throughout core hours, from 8am to 6.30pm, Monday to Friday.
The Department of Health and Social Care says the change will help end the “8am scramble” by allowing patients to request appointments, ask questions, and describe symptoms online throughout the day, rather than relying on early morning phone calls or in-person visits.
The government reports that:
Patients will also benefit from a new charter, You and Your GP, which every practice must now publish online, setting out what patients can expect and how they can raise feedback or concerns.
Health leaders have welcomed the move as a key step to modernise general practice, while also recognising ongoing workforce pressures and the need for sustainable investment.
Read the Department of Health and Social Care’s press release here
The Rural Perspective
The Rural Services Network welcomes improvements to GP access, but we must recognise the challenges for rural communities:
Through our Delivering for All campaign, RSN calls on Government to ensure rural-proofed healthcare policies, fair funding for rural councils and services, and investment in digital infrastructure so that reforms like this deliver for every community. |