One million contact GP online for help each month

Over 1 million people a month across south-east England are getting in touch with their GP online.

NHS England has launched a new GP Online Access campaign following the introduction last year of new contractual requirements for every GP practice to offer online consultations for both clinical and administrative requests during core hours.

Across the region overall submissions have more than doubled, rising from 540,000 in December 2024 to 1.2 million in December 2025.

Dr Tim Caroe, director of primary care transformation in the South East, says the campaign "is about letting patients know they have a choice about how they get help."

Patients can still choose to phone or visit the practice in person, but online forms offer a flexible alternative for those who prefer it.

Caroe said by contacting their GP online, people were able to avoid early morning queues.

"The rise in online clinical submissions over the past year shows people are growing in confidence, and we hope even more will feel comfortable using this quick, convenient option," he said.

Matt Stacey from Kent, works full‑time and said he now uses online forms regularly.

He said: "It was very simple to follow. I could take my time to explain exactly how I was feeling, which isn't always easy over the phone.

He added: "I submitted the form at about 07:00 GMT while having breakfast, went to work, and within a couple of hours the surgery called to say the doctor had reviewed it and could see me at 11:00."

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