Overview
- The policy requires all GP practices in England to accept online queries and booking requests between 8.30am and 6pm on weekdays and was introduced on Oct 1.
- A Pulse and Management In Practice poll of 330 GPs and 242 practice managers found 32% had cut face-to-face slots and 25% said the new system put patient safety at risk.
- NHS England data shows a steady fall in the share of face-to-face appointments, from 64.9% in June 2024 to 62.9% in June 2025 and 60.2% in June 2026.
- The BMA has entered a formal dispute with the government, saying online web forms drive 'consumer-like' demand, add administrative triage for every request, and raise the chance of missed serious conditions.
- The Department of Health and Social Care and NHS England point to 2,000 extra GPs recruited since July 2024, higher patient satisfaction scores and a year-on-year rise in June face-to-face consultations, but doctors say more targeted resources are still needed.