GPs Threaten to Strike Over New Online Booking System

Family doctors and practice managers are escalating their dispute with the government, threatening a one-day closure of their surgeries. The proposed action stems from opposition to the new online booking and consultation system, which was rolled out on October 1st.

This technology now enables patients to submit appointment requests via the internet during operational hours, a shift from the previous phone-based system. A survey reveals significant backing for such measures, with 34% of polled GPs and practice managers willing to shut down for a day.

Furthermore, almost half of the respondents indicated a willingness to divert patients to emergency rooms, while 28% would temporarily halt online consultations. This situation arises amidst ongoing junior doctor strikes over pay.