Patients in many parts of the UK have been unable to access their GP surgery online after Silicon Practice, a technology firm providing digital services to the healthcare sector, went into administration. The collapse has disrupted operations for approximately 500 practices in England, representing just under 10% of the total number of GP surgeries in the country.
Impact on GP Practice Websites and Booking
Reports of service failures have emerged from various regions, including London, Gloucestershire, and Norfolk. The disruption extends beyond England, with practices in Wales also affected. Silicon Practice managed a range of digital tools for these surgeries, including websites, online booking systems, and consultation platforms.
The timing of the collapse is particularly significant given recent changes to how patients interact with their doctors. Since last year, all GP practices in England have been required to offer online appointment booking. Currently, more than 40% of all appointments are made through these digital channels. The firm also ran a digital tool called FootFall, which it claimed reduced patient phone calls by 30% by managing demand more efficiently. The company stated this tool had been proven in over 1,000 GP practices across the UK.
GP leaders have warned that the loss of these digital services will cause huge disruption. The sudden shift away from online booking places additional pressure on already stretched practice teams, who must now handle a surge in phone calls and in-person visits. Prof Victoria Tzortziou Brown, president of the Royal College of GPs, emphasized that practice websites are an increasingly important way for patients to access care, book appointments, and find information about available services.
NHS Response and Patient Guidance
An NHS England spokesperson confirmed that while the majority of GP practice websites are running as normal, some using Silicon Practice will be affected. The health body has contacted affected practices with advice on how to maintain business continuity and minimize the impact on patient care.
Patients in affected areas are being advised to make appointments via the phone. It is important to note that the NHS app is working and remains operational for users. The NHS England spokesperson stated that if a GP practice website is unavailable and help is needed, patients should contact their practice by phone or in person as usual.
Prof Brown added that it is vital for any disruption to practice websites to be addressed promptly to ensure patients can access care. She called for affected practices to receive prompt, practical support from NHS England and local NHS organizations to restore their websites, minimize disruption, and ensure patients know how to contact their practice and access the care they need in the meantime.
Source: BBC
