Millions more online consultation submissions by patients to practices in September
In a significant shift towards digital healthcare, millions of patients are now opting for online consultation requests to connect with their GP practices. Recent statistics reveal that in September 2025 alone, there were a staggering 6.5 million online requests submitted to GPs, marking a 50% increase from the same month the previous year. This surge reflects the NHS’s ongoing efforts to enhance accessibility and convenience for patients, allowing them to engage with their family doctors in a manner that suits their lifestyles. The rise in online consultations not only demonstrates a growing acceptance of digital health solutions but also highlights the NHS’s commitment to modernizing patient care.
The increase in online consultations can be attributed to several factors, including the pandemic’s influence on healthcare delivery and a broader push towards telehealth services. Patients have become accustomed to seeking medical advice via digital platforms, which offer a more flexible and efficient alternative to traditional face-to-face appointments. For instance, individuals can submit queries regarding non-urgent health issues, request prescription refills, or even receive follow-up care without the need to visit the clinic physically. This not only saves time for both patients and healthcare providers but also helps to alleviate some of the pressures on NHS facilities, allowing them to focus on more critical cases.
Moreover, the rise in online consultations aligns with the NHS’s strategic goal to empower patients with more choices in their healthcare journey. By providing various channels for communication, including text messaging and video consultations, the NHS is ensuring that patients can access the care they need in the most convenient way possible. As digital literacy continues to improve among the population, it is likely that the trend of online consultations will persist, further transforming the landscape of primary care. This evolution in patient-GP interactions indicates a promising future for healthcare, where technology plays a pivotal role in enhancing the patient experience and ensuring that quality care is accessible to all.
Millions of people are using online consultation requests to contact their GP practice each month, as the NHS gives people more choice in how they can safely contact their family doctor. New figures show 6.5 million online consultation requests were submitted to GPs in September 2025, up half compared to the same period last year […]
