Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps his Department is taking to support people without internet access take up digital GP appointments.

When we introduce a new digital service, we ensure that access to general practitioner (GP) appointments via other channels is still available. Patients are still able to book appointments via the telephone and through NHS 111, and the service has the same features as available online. In addition, we have developed alternative ways for people to access digital services, such as booking appointments by proxy, where a family member or carer has access to the internet.

To support people living in care homes to take up digital GP appointments, NHSX and NHS Digital have negotiated a range of internet connectivity deals for care homes, along with guidance to help care homes choose a suitable internet connection. NHSX will also be distributing tablet devices to care homes so that residents can access digital health appointments and stay connected to loved ones. A 12-month SIM data package will be included for care homes with poor or no WiFi connections.