'Remote' GP consultations are increasing

A THIRD (33.3%) of GP appointments in England in June this year were carried out either over the telephone or online - the highest proportion since the coronavirus pandemic.

- 

The figure is up from 30.9% in June 2024, and 28.3% in June 2023, according to new analysis of NHS England data by the Press Association.

Family doctors have said remote consultations "offer convenience and flexibility that many patients value", and the majority of appointments are still delivered face to face.

As many as four in 10 appointments were carried out by phone or online during the pandemic, but the proportion fell once the impact of Covid-19 eased and had dropped to 27.7% in January 2023.