Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the finding set out in the joint report by the Roma Support Group and Friends, Families and Travellers Enablers of digital inclusion in primary care for Gypsy, Roma and Traveller Communities, published in June, that 46 per cent of Gypsy, Roma and Traveller people surveyed reported they had no access to digital primary care services due to a lack of confidence in using technology, language barriers and a preference for in-person services, what steps they plan to take to improve those communities’ access to digital primary healthcare services.

We know that some patients will struggle to access digital services. We will ensure patients have multiple routes of access to primary care by guaranteeing a face-to-face general practice appointment to anyone who wants one, and by implementing a modern booking system to end the 8:00am rush. Digital tools used in primary care settings must meet required minimum standards of functionality set by NHS England, ensuring a consistent quality of service for patients, and all organisations providing National Health Services, including primary care providers, must follow the Accessible Information Standard.

We are clear that all online tools must be provided as an additional option, not as a replacement for more accessible channels like telephone or reception services. This ensures that individuals without access to digital technology, including those from disadvantaged groups, are not excluded and can choose the method of communication that works best for them. All patients should be treated equitably no matter what route they access general practice with.