Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask His Majesty's Government what plans they have to improve access to digital primary healthcare services among Gypsy, Roma and Traveller people.

We know that patients are struggling to access general practice (GP), and that these struggles can be particularly acute in inclusion health groups such as gypsy, Roma, and traveller communities.

We want to ensure that digital healthcare services are available to those who need them. The GP contract requires GPs to provide an online consultation tool, allowing patients to manage appointments, and view and request repeat prescriptions digitally. This service also simplifies electronic registration with GP surgeries. Digital registration is designed to accommodate diverse patient needs, enhancing accessibility, and making it easier for patients to register without visiting the practice in person.

However, to ensure that patients aren’t digitally excluded, the GP contract is clear that patients should always have the option of visiting their practice in person, and all online tools must always be provided in addition to, rather than as a replacement for, other channels for accessing GPs. Practice receptions should be open so that patients without access to a telephone or online services are in no way disadvantaged.