98.7 per cent of GP practices are now offering online access to their patients.

Since October, practices have been required to offer online consultation requests during working hours.

A record eight million online requests were submitted by patients in October after the requirement was introduced. This represents an increase of one fifth compared to the previous month and an an increase of two thirds on last year.

The ONS Health Insights Survey shows that more people contacted their GP practice online than by phone.

Around four million patients attend A&E every year with non-urgent issues because they can’t access their local GP.

Health secretary Wes Streeting said: "In the 21st century, patients expect to be able to manage healthcare at their fingertips, and so they should. We organise so much of our lives online, there’s no reason the NHS should be any different.

"I want to thank GPs and their teams for rolling this out. Eight million patients used online access in October alone, taking advantage of the flexibility and convenience. These numbers show there was huge appetite from patients and a can-do attitude from GPs. We promised to end the 8am scramble, and this is a massive step towards that ambition.

"After more than a decade of decline, we are bringing our analogue NHS into the digital age."

Dr Amanda Doyle, NHS England National Director for Primary Care and Community Services, said: "We are making it easier than ever for people to get the care they need from their GP team. More than eight million patients used online consultation services last month alone, a clear sign that this is what many people want and it helps keep phone lines free for those who prefer to call.

"I want to thank our hard-working GPs and practice teams who are doing everything they can to support patients get the care they need, especially as we head into the winter months.

"Flu arrived earlier than expected this year, so we’re urging people to come forward for their flu jab - it’s not too late. Getting protected before the festive period is one of the most important steps we can all take to help keep ourselves well and support the health service through the colder months."