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GP Online Booking Sparks Safety Fears
3 Dec
Summary
- Online GP bookings are rising but doctors fear patient safety risks.
- The BMA is in a formal dispute with the government over the changes.
- Over 43% of people contacted their GP online between September and October.
The latest figures reveal a substantial increase in patients utilizing online services to contact their GPs, with over 43% engaging through apps or websites. Health Secretary Wes Streeting views this as a major stride towards eliminating the "8am scramble" for appointments, a key government promise. Nearly all GP practices in England now offer online booking and query submission.
Despite these advancements, the British Medical Association has raised serious concerns, entering into a formal dispute with the government. The BMA argues that the current system fails to properly triage urgent requests, potentially compromising patient safety and overwhelming medical staff. Deputy chair Dr. David Wrigley stated the software does not differentiate routine from urgent submissions, leading to increased risks.
Patient advocacy groups echo these worries, highlighting that some individuals are not fully informed about using online services exclusively for non-emergencies. Concerns have also been raised about practices limiting online booking hours and the difficulties faced by less digitally literate individuals in navigating the system.
