Patient Access - Important Changes from 1st October 2025

What’s Changing?

From 1st October 2025, GP practices will keep their online consultation forms open throughout core hours (08:00 – 18:30, Monday to Friday)

 

What You Can Do Online:

Patients can submit requests online for:-

• Routine (non-urgent) appointments

• Medication queries

• Administrative help (e.g., sick notes, test results)

 

Same-Day GP Appointments:

The new GP contract does NOT guarantee every patient a same-day GP appointment.

Instead, all requests will be reviewed by the practice within 24 hours. Based on clinical need, you may receive:

• A same-day appointment (if urgent) either at the Practice at another provider

• A routine appointment on another day

• Advice or signposting to another healthcare professional

• Your issue managed without an appointment (e.g., prescription renewal)

 

Other Contact Options:

You can still contact the practice by:

• Telephone

• In person

• NHS App

 

Summary:

• Online forms open 08:00 – 18:30 (weekdays)

• Not all patients will be offered a same-day GP appointment

• Care will be based on urgency and clinical need

 

For more details, visit:

https://www.england.nhs.uk/long-read/you-and-your-general-practice-english/

Published on 2 October 2025