College supports a "mixed-method approach" to appointments

Responding to new figures that show remote appointments were at their highest level since COVID in June 2025, Professor Kamila Hawthorne, Chair of the Royal College of GPs, said:

“Remote consultations – whether delivered over the phone or via video - can offer convenience and flexibility that many patients value, and evidence has shown that in the vast majority of cases, remote care is safe. Often a GP might initially consult with a patient remotely and then ask them to come into the practice if it's necessary to see them in person. 

“However, we also know that many patients prefer to access their care in-person, and this is how the majority of appointments are still delivered. Over the last twelve months, GPs and their teams have delivered a record-breaking number of appointments, and nearly 250 million were carried out in person.

“The College supports a mixed-method approach to delivering care and services in general practice, whereby practices can provide both in-person and remote appointments. This should be a decision made between patient and clinician.

“What’s key is that when GPs are consulting with their patients remotely, they have access to the robust and up to date IT systems that allows them to do so safely and effectively. The Government has put forward some encouraging proposals to improve the GP practice digital infrastructure and IT systems, but we need to see the significant investment needed to make this a reality. The College has called for additional funding of at least £2 billion to ensure our physical and digital infrastructure is fit for purpose so we can offer patients the appointment that’s right for them.”

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.