Story perspectives

UK Mandates Online Appointments Amid Health System Strain

12/3/2025

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Summary

Story summary

The UK government has mandated online appointment bookings from 08:30 to 18:00, Monday to Friday.
Patients can request consultations and call backs.
Dr. David Wrigley (British Medical Association) says urgent requests are not prioritized.
Healthwatch England raises concerns about inadequate patient information and digital literacy barriers.
General Practitioner Jess Harvey (GP) notes practices are overwhelmed and calls for funding, and the government says it has allocated more funds and GPs.

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Story summary

The UK government has mandated online appointment bookings from 08:30 to 18:00, Monday to Friday.
Patients can request consultations and call backs.
Dr. David Wrigley (British Medical Association) says urgent requests are not prioritized.
Healthwatch England raises concerns about inadequate patient information and digital literacy barriers.
General Practitioner Jess Harvey (GP) notes practices are overwhelmed and calls for funding, and the government says it has allocated more funds and GPs.