England GP Surgeries Start Online Booking Amid BMA Concerns

As of October 1, 2025, GP surgeries in England are required to keep their online consultation tools operational throughout core hours, allowing patients to request appointments, ask questions, and describe symptoms online to ease the traditional '8am scramble' for appointments. This initiative aims to modernize the NHS by providing patients with greater convenience and freeing up phone lines for urgent calls, supported by an investment of £1.1 billion in general practice and the hiring of over 2,000 new GPs. While some surgeries have successfully implemented these online systems and reported improved service quality, many patients have reported difficulties and inconsistencies due to the fragmented nature of the NHS digital infrastructure, with practices using different booking software such as Airmid, Accurx, and Anima. The British Medical Association has expressed concerns that these changes could increase GP workloads and lead to longer waiting lists, although the government maintains the reforms were agreed with the BMA and are accompanied by unprecedented support. NHS England and government officials highlight that online access will make it easier to triage patients based on clinical need and reduce unnecessary A&E visits, ultimately improving patient care and system efficiency. Despite some early challenges, the reforms represent a significant step towards bringing general practice into the digital era and improving patient access across England.