FOLLOWING a major step to increase access to general practice, latest available data shows a sharp rise in people accessing support from their GP via online forms.

NHS data shows that in the North West in December 2025 more than three quarters of a million people accessed support from their general practice using online forms, but this rose by nearly 40% in January, to over a million.

People registered at practices across the region can request appointments, ask questions, and describe symptoms online throughout the day rather than calling their surgery or visiting in person, helping to free up practice phone lines for those who need them most and make it more convenient to access appointments and advice.

Patients can access the service via practice websites or the NHS App, using a smartphone, tablet, or computer. The system is designed to be simple, confidential, and fully integrated with patient records.

Latest published data on appointments in general practice showed practices across the region delivered over 3.8 million appointments in the first month of 2026, with 2.3 million of those held face to face.

Dr Paula Cowan is a local GP and Regional Medical Director for Primary Care at NHS England in the North West.  She said:

“When speaking to local people about what matters to them most about NHS services, being able to get timely access to general practice services is high up on their list and its high on our list too.

“Providing additional ways of accessing general practice means it will be easier for people to get in touch with us.  So for those people who like to use online services, having access to online forms will be great for them, but we’ll still be contactable, as always, by other routes too.”

The move to increase access to general practice fully supports the ambition in the NHS 10-year health plan to make better use of technology in health and care.  The NHS App has revolutionised the way people manage their health providing a simple and secure way to access a range of NHS services, such as repeat prescription ordering, viewing medical records and making GP appointments.

The app is also the ‘front door’ for many online services and allows people access to their practice by filling in a form and giving information on the issue they have.  It is then triaged by an appropriate member of the practice team and followed up with the patient.  This follow up could include offering an appointment with a clinician in the practice or referring on to a Community Pharmacy or other health or care service where this is clinically appropriate.

Dr Cowan added, “What is clear from the data is that general practice, and primary care more broadly, including community pharmacies, are working harder than ever before.

““Every day, general practice teams go above and beyond for their communities. Despite rising demand and limited resources, they continue to provide compassionate, high‑quality care.”