Significant Growth in Online Registration
According to recent data from NHS England, the availability of online registration for patients has seen a remarkable increase, with over 6,150 GP practices now offering this service through platforms such as the NHS App, NHS.uk, or individual surgery websites. This marks a more than 100% increase in the past year.
- 98.4% of GP practices in England now support online registration.
- Since the launch of the online booking system in November 2022, more than 3.8 million patients have utilized it.
- In the last six months alone, nearly 1.7 million patients have registered online.
Improving Patient Access
Dr. Amanda Doyle, the national director of primary care and community services at NHS England, expressed her enthusiasm about this development, stating:
“It is fantastic that almost all GP practices are now offering online registration, making it easier than ever for people to sign up to a GP or switch at a time that is convenient for them.”
She emphasized that the online service allows patients to:
- Check their eligibility for the practice.
- Complete registration in a few simple steps from any location.
Efficiency Gains for GP Practices
The online booking feature is part of a broader initiative to enhance patient access and improve operational efficiency within the NHS. Recent data indicates that:
- A prescription service launched in January 2024 has enabled patients to order approximately 4.6 million repeat prescriptions monthly.
- Patients can access over six million test results through the app each month, saving an estimated 2.6 million hours of GP practice time.
Ming Tang, interim chief digital and information officer at NHS England, noted:
“Online GP registration, along with innovations like the NHS App, is simplifying life for millions of patients and their families while significantly reducing administrative burdens on GP staff.”
Future Developments
The online registration service also includes features to assist non-English speakers, making it more accessible. Health Minister Karin Smyth commented:
“I’m delighted that most GP practices now offer online registration. This is all about putting patients first, making it easier for people to access the care they need, when they need it.”
Additionally, NHS England is piloting a ‘ping and book’ service via the NHS App for breast screening appointments, with plans to expand this to cervical screening by spring 2025.
How to Register Online
Patients can register online by:
- Visiting the NHS App or the GP surgery’s website.
- Completing a registration form, which typically takes around 15 minutes.
For more information on registering with a GP, visit the following resources: