19.05.15
97% of English patients have access to online GP Services
Nearly every patient in England can now access online GP services, new data has revealed.
Figures from the Health and Social Care Information Centre (HSCIC) show that more than 97% of patients in England can now take advantage of at least one online service, a huge increase from the 3% in April 2014.
The number of GPs offering appointments, repeat prescriptions and/or access to summary information in medical records online tripled in the first three months of the year, with almost every GP surgery in England offering at least some of these services.
Most practices let patients book appointments or use repeat prescription services; but the ability to view medical records is only offered by very few. The data shows that while almost all surgeries have the functionality to allow patients to do so, only a small percentage have enabled it.
Since March 2015, GPs have been contractually required to offer online services.
Beverley Bryant, director of digital technology for NHS England said: “Many patients want the flexibility of booking services online so we are delighted that GPs have worked so hard to make this possible. There is more to come as we develop services that will increasingly help patients take more control of their health.”
The ambition is that by 2018 every NHS patient will be able to access their full health records at the click of a button, detailing every visit to the GP and hospital, every prescription, test results, and adverse reactions and allergies.
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