More than 8 million people submitted their GP request online in October 2025. This is up 21 per cent on the previous month and up 68 per cent on last year.
Around 1 in 3 online requests are for non-clinical reasons such as admin requests and repeat prescriptions. This means that people are taking up phone lines with non-urgent requests.
All GP practices were asked to make online contact an option throughout working hours from 1 October.
GP practices received 31 million phone calls in October.
Dr Amanda Doyle, NHS England national director for primary care and community services, said: “9 in 10 people who contact the NHS every day go through their GP practice, so it’s only right that we make this as straightforward as possible.
“Most people now manage their lives using technology – so it makes sense for people to be able to manage their healthcare online in the same way.
“Today’s figures show that millions of people each week are choosing to get in touch with their GP online, which also helps free up phonelines for those who can’t, or prefer not to use online consultation requests.
“Anyone who wants to contact their practice by phone can still do so, and all practices have upgraded their telephone systems, so it is now easier too for people who prefer to use this route, with reception desks open for people to walk in.”
Minister of state for care Stephen Kinnock said: “These figures show the NHS is modernising at pace to fit around patients’ lives. We promised to tackle the 8am scramble and make it easier for patients to access GPs – and that’s exactly what we’re delivering.
“Over 8 million people chose to contact their GP online in October – up more than two-thirds from last year. Many of these online requests are for repeat prescriptions and admin tasks that no longer need to tie up phone lines for those with urgent needs.
“At the same time as making online consultations universal, we have invested an extra £1.1 billion and recruited 2,500 more GPs to help deliver it. Patients now have real choice in how they access their GP, whether that’s online, by phone, or in person.
“Thanks to the fair and necessary decisions we made in the Budget, we are delivering on our mandate for change and rebuilding the NHS. It will take time, but we are bringing our analogue NHS into the digital age – and patient satisfaction with GP access has increased from 60% in July 2024 to 75% today highlighting the difference this government is making.”
