Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what estimate his Department has made of the number of people who be unable to access NHS services after the move from analogue to digital.

The shift from analogue to digital services is not intended to entirely replace traditional access methods. Practices are required to maintain phone and in-person services for those who cannot or prefer not to use digital options.

NHS Online will give patients more choice in how and when patients access specialist care. Digital services will always be optional and only offered when it is clinically appropriate and works for the patient. We’re working closely with community and patient groups to ensure inclusion is built into every stage of development. The experience of patients and how they access, understand, and feel about their care is central to the design and delivery of NHS Online.