Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether he plans to support the use of (a) telemedicine and (b) other digital solutions to (i) alleviate pressures on GP services and (ii) improve patient access to care.

Technology is an important enabler for change, including in shifting from analogue to digital.

As independent contractors, it is largely up to individual general practices (GPs) how they run their surgeries and what systems they operate to best enable patients to access their doctors, nurses, and other health care professionals for routine or urgent advice and care.

Using digital tools and telemedicine, such as remote consulting, can enable faster, more convenient access for those that need it. We have committed to end the 8:00am scramble by introducing a modern appointment booking system which will improve access for patients.

Patients at 95% of the GP surgeries in England can also use all the features of the NHS App, allowing them to receive personalised services and self-serve, which helps free up GP staff time for those that need it most.

Digital tools are also helping to manage demand beyond primary care. 30% of all 111 triages start online and the most recent data for August 2024 shows that over 590,000 online sessions were completed in England, allowing patients to access more timely care. 111 Online is now also fully integrated and available in the NHS App, empowering more patients to take control of their own care.