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NHS GPs: Ditch the Phone, Go Online for Care
13 Dec, 2025
Summary
- Nearly all GP surgeries in England now offer online services.
- Online forms reduce phone line strain and ease A&E pressure.
- Pharmacies provide advice and prescriptions for various conditions.
The National Health Service (NHS) is actively promoting the use of online forms for patients seeking treatment for non-emergency issues, moving away from traditional phone consultations. This initiative is supported by the fact that 98.7% of GP surgeries across England now provide digital service options.
Utilizing online forms offers significant advantages, including alleviating pressure on telephone lines, especially during peak morning hours. This shift also aims to decrease the number of non-urgent cases overwhelming Accident & Emergency departments, as millions annually attend A&E due to difficulty accessing their GPs. Furthermore, pharmacies are increasingly becoming a frontline resource.
Pharmacies are empowered to offer advice on a wide array of ailments and medications through the 'Pharmacy First' service. In many instances, they can dispense prescription medications for specific conditions and provide contraceptive services, reducing the need for a GP appointment altogether, thereby enhancing accessibility to healthcare.
