England's GP Surgeries Mandated to Offer Online Booking from Today

New Online Booking Mandate for English GP Practices

As of October 1, 2025, all General Practitioner (GP) surgeries across England are mandated to provide online appointment booking services. This new requirement stipulates that online consultation tools must remain open from 8 am to 6:30 pm, Monday through Friday, for non-urgent appointment requests, medication queries, and administrative tasks. The initiative is a key component of the government's broader strategy to modernize healthcare access and alleviate the long-standing issue of the '8am scramble' for appointments.

Aims for Modernized Access and Efficiency

The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) and NHS England have introduced this measure as part of the Primary Care Access Recovery Plan, aiming to enhance patient choice and convenience. Care Minister Stephen Kinnock stated, 'We are bringing our analogue health service into the digital era, giving patients greater choice and convenience.' The government anticipates that increased online bookings will free up phone lines for those who prefer traditional methods or have urgent needs. Evidence from some practices already implementing similar systems suggests potential benefits, with one London surgery reportedly reducing waiting times from 14 days to just 3, and seeing 95% of patients within a week.

British Medical Association Raises Concerns

Despite the government's optimistic outlook, the British Medical Association (BMA) has voiced strong opposition to the new mandate. The doctors' union warns of potential patient safety risks, including the possibility of serious health issues being missed, and anticipates an 'online triage tsunami' that could overwhelm practices. Dr. Katie Bramall, chair of the BMA's GP committee in England, expressed fears that the system could lead to 'hospital-style waiting lists in general practice' and reduce face-to-face appointments. The BMA argues that promised safeguards, such as additional staff and IT functionality to filter urgent cases, have not been adequately implemented, and has considered industrial action.

Government's Reassurance and Broader Digital Vision

In response to the BMA's concerns, the government maintains that GP websites will include clear instructions for patients requiring urgent care to contact their practice by phone or in person. Health Secretary Wes Streeting urged the BMA to embrace the plan, emphasizing that many GPs already offer such services successfully. The government has also highlighted an investment of an extra £1.1 billion in general practice and the recruitment of over 2,000 additional GPs across England to support the changes. This move is part of a wider governmental push to digitize the NHS, which includes plans for an 'online hospital' by 2027, aiming to provide millions of virtual appointments.