RCGP response to survey on online access to general practice

Professor Victoria Tzortziou Brown, President of the Royal College of GPs, said:

“Online tools can make it easier for many patients to get help from their GP, and practices have made significant progress in using them to improve access and manage demand. But it’s important these changes don’t leave behind patients who aren’t able or aren’t confident using digital services.

“General practice must remain accessible to everyone. Patients should be able to contact their GP in the way that works best for them – whether that’s online, by phone or face to face – and practices need the flexibility to respond to the needs of their local populations.

“GP teams are working under intense pressure and are doing their best to balance new ways of working with rising demand. To do this well, they need the right support, including enough staff, time and infrastructure, so that new systems genuinely improve access and don’t create additional barriers for the most vulnerable patients.”

Further information

RCGP press office: 0203 188 7659
press@rcgp.org.uk

Notes to editors

The Royal College of General Practitioners is a network of more than 54,000 family doctors working to improve care for patients. We work to encourage and maintain the highest standards of general medical practice and act as the voice of GPs on education, training, research and clinical standards.