Overview

• From today, all GP surgeries in England must keep online consultation and booking tools available 8am–6:30pm on weekdays for non-urgent requests, medication queries and administrative needs.
• The policy aims to end the morning rush for appointments and address inconsistent use of digital systems, after some practices switched off online tools during busy periods.
• The BMA warns of hospital-style waiting lists, reduced face-to-face access and safety risks, and says GPs have entered a dispute over missing safeguards and staffing.
• Ministers say practices will be supported to implement the change and point to recent funding for general practice, arguing modernised access will speed care.
• The government has also set out NHS Online for 2027 via the NHS App, projected to deliver up to 8.5 million extra appointments in three years with virtual triage and booking for tests, while pilot sites report faster referrals and NHS leaders urge plans to address data protection, digital exclusion and workforce capacity.