UK (Parliament Politics Magazine) – English GPs warn new digital booking could harm patient care, urging ministers to act quickly to prevent system overload.
As reported by The Guardian, GPs across England raised concerns over government online booking, warning a surge in demand could strain services.
Ministers have 48 hours to protect GPs before the new system sparks a surge, aimed at easing the morning rush for 8 am appointments.
What did BMA say about the risks of expanded online GP booking?
In February, the British Medical Association confirmed an agreement with NHS England and the Department of Health to enable patients to book family doctor appointments online from 8:00 am to 6:30 pm, Monday to Friday.
The unions claim the government broke a February pledge to enforce safeguards by 1 October, risking overload from non-urgent consultations.
The BMA warned that allowing everyone to book online could overwhelm GPs and threaten patient care.
Dr Katie Bramall, chair of the BMA’s GPs committee, warned the new online system may create long, hospital-style waiting lists in general practice.
The doctors’ union claims the digital system could limit GPs’ face-to-face patient interactions, citing the surge in online consultation requests.
The health department has 48 hours to implement promised safety measures under the new GP contract.
The BMA is considering a ballot allowing GPs to take industrial action, including limiting patient consultations, after a similar response last year and earlier this year over contract changes.
The union said,
“Online systems currently cannot distinguish between non-urgent and urgent patient queries, and with practices already understaffed and overworked, GPs fear this could lead to potentially serious and life-threatening problems being delayed or missed entirely.”
It stated,
“Doctors will need to be reallocated away from booked appointments to manage the potential online triage tsunami, leading to fewer GP appointments with patients.”
The BMA added,
“GPs are worried that without any increase in practice capacity, considerable amounts of practice time will be diverted to reviewing the barrage of online requests and queries, thus reducing time for routine appointments and planned patient care.”
Health Secretary Wes Streeting rejected BMA concerns, confirming the changes will proceed as scheduled on Wednesday.
What does the Department of Health say about new GP online bookings?
The DHSC argued that the plan
“delivers on our manifesto promise to end the 8 am scramble. Patients can now contact their GP digitally whenever suits them during core hours, not just in that frantic morning rush. It’s about choice and convenience. Patients can still phone or walk in, but now they’ve also got the online option available all day.”
It added,
“More people requesting bookings online means quieter phone lines for those who need to call.”
The Health Department said certain GP surgeries in England have adopted the online system, reporting improved workflow and better patient service.
What did the Patients Association say about safe GP access?
The Patients Association said patients prioritize quick access to GP advice, whether booked online, by phone, or in person.
Its chief executive, Rachel Power, stated,
“Patients should feel confident that when they book or request an appointment, whether online, on the phone, or in person, their needs will be assessed swiftly and safely by someone with the right training and skills to judge urgency.”
Key facts about patient visits to GPs in the UK
In July 2025, GP teams in England delivered a record 33.6 million appointments, the busiest July on record, with over 380 million appointments in the past year.
Most appointments, 63.1%, were face-to-face. Patients also had quick access, with 43.7% seen the same day and 82% within two weeks of booking.