Patients registered at GP surgeries in Kent and Medway are benefiting from the online revolution. They can now book appointments with their doctor or request a repeat prescription over the internet or on a smartphone.

The GP online service is free and available online via a website. Smartphone and tablet users can also download an app to give them access on their phones.

Users of the service can also read their own 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.”

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.

Alistair Campbell, a patient at Edenbridge Medical Centre in west Kent, said:

“I commute on the train every day and being able to make appointments and order repeat prescriptions when I’m travelling is really handy. It’s such a quick and easy to use system.”

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