Every GP practice now has to offer online booking

Every GP practice in England will now have to offer online appointment bookings throughout the day, with patients able to request non-urgent appointments and describe symptoms online. This government-ordered move aims to alleviate the common '8am scramble' to reach practices on the phone, providing greater convenience and choice for patients. The change, part of the 10-year NHS digital innovation plan, is expected to free up phone lines for urgent queries and relieve pressure on A&E units.