Two hundred and eighty five thousand Kent and Medway GP patients are benefiting from the online revolution. In just nine months and with the click of a button they have booked and cancelled 241,000 appointments.

GP online services allow people to book a doctor’s appointments or request a repeat prescription over the internet or on a smartphone. The free service is available online via a website and smartphone and tablet users can download an app to give them access on their phones. People can also read their GP records, including information about medication, allergies, vaccinations and test results.

Maidstone GP Dr Alison Milroy said:

“Many of our patients tell us that they value the convenience of making an appointment at any time of the day or night, or requesting a repeat prescription without having to visit the surgery. By freeing up the phone lines, they also make it easier for patients who don’t want to use GP online services to get through by phone.”

Online access is rapidly growing in popularity with over 95% of GP practices in Kent and Medway now offering this service.

Dr Milroy, who is the Deputy Medical Director for NHS England South East, added:

“Having access to their GP records also means that people are more in control of their health and well-being. This is particularly helpful for people who are living with a long-term health condition such as diabetes that needs regular checking and frequent prescriptions.”

GP online services make use of secure computer systems. People can only see their own information, but they can make arrangements with their local surgery for family members or carers to access their records.
You can register for GP online services by visiting your GP surgery, or find out more on the NHS Choices website at www.nhs.uk/GPonlineservices