Doctors have warned that Labour changes to GP appointment bookings in England are putting patient safety at risk by reducing face-to-face consultations. Since October 1, all GP practices in England must accept queries and booking requests made online between 8.30am and 6pm on week days.
A poll of 330 GPs and 242 practice managers by journals Pulse and Management In Practice found a third, or 32 per cent, had been forced to cut in-person appointments as a result. Meanwhile, 25 per cent said the requirements put patient safety at risk because dealing with patients remotely makes GPs less likely to spot symptoms of serious diseases such as cancer.
Falling proportion of in-person appointments
According to NHS England, the proportion of GP appointments in England carried out face to face is falling, while consultations by phone or online are rising. In June, 60.2 per cent of patients were seen in person, compared with 62.9 per cent in June 2025 and 64.9 per cent in June 2024.
Warnings from medical groups and official response
Patient groups, MPs and the British Medical Association have also warned of the risks. Dr Manu Agrawal, deputy chairman of the BMA's GP committee, said: "Our view is backed by this survey. The online request system is unsafe."
The Department of Health and Social Care said 2,000 extra GPs had been recruited since July 2024, and insisted: "GPs are required to provide face-to-face appointments alongside remote consultations." NHS England said GPs carried out a million more face-to-face consultations in June than in the same month last year.
