Revert to phone bookings for doctor's appointments
The Issue
I am struggling to get appointments with a doctor at a normal surgery. The online booking system is impossible, often directing individuals to Accident & Emergency or pharmacy, and doctors aren’t spending enough time with patients. At 58, I find it challenging, and my elderly parents have given up calling the doctors for their ongoing health problems. My concern is that this will lead to more deaths among the elderly who are not internet-trained. Even hospitals demand online interactions, with my 12-year-old grandson having to give signed consent for his mother to book a GP appointment.
The shift to online-only doctor’s appointments is alienating many patients who are either uncomfortable or unfamiliar with digital technology. This is causing significant distress and depriving individuals, especially the elderly, of the healthcare they need. The personal touch of speaking with a receptionist and arranging an appointment directly is being lost, endangering those who are already vulnerable.
There’s ample evidence showing that the personal interaction during appointment bookings is crucial for effective healthcare delivery. A study by the Royal College of General Practitioners reports that 74% of patients prefer direct phone bookings over online systems. Additionally, Age UK has noted a rise in cases where elderly patients miss appointments due to online booking challenges, which could potentially worsen their health conditions or lead to missed diagnoses.
Turning back to conventional phone bookings will ensure that everyone, irrespective of their technical abilities, can access healthcare when they need it. It is imperative to revert this system to accommodate everyone, allowing patients to speak directly with human operators who can provide guidance, reassurance, and flexibility when scheduling appointments.
Let's stand together and advocate for a healthcare booking system that includes everyone. Urge NHS management and healthcare providers to restore phone booking options alongside online systems. Ensure no one is denied the right to timely and effective healthcare simply because they are not digitally savvy.
Please sign this petition to bring back the option to book doctor’s appointments over the phone and make healthcare more accessible for all.
156
The Issue
I am struggling to get appointments with a doctor at a normal surgery. The online booking system is impossible, often directing individuals to Accident & Emergency or pharmacy, and doctors aren’t spending enough time with patients. At 58, I find it challenging, and my elderly parents have given up calling the doctors for their ongoing health problems. My concern is that this will lead to more deaths among the elderly who are not internet-trained. Even hospitals demand online interactions, with my 12-year-old grandson having to give signed consent for his mother to book a GP appointment.
The shift to online-only doctor’s appointments is alienating many patients who are either uncomfortable or unfamiliar with digital technology. This is causing significant distress and depriving individuals, especially the elderly, of the healthcare they need. The personal touch of speaking with a receptionist and arranging an appointment directly is being lost, endangering those who are already vulnerable.
There’s ample evidence showing that the personal interaction during appointment bookings is crucial for effective healthcare delivery. A study by the Royal College of General Practitioners reports that 74% of patients prefer direct phone bookings over online systems. Additionally, Age UK has noted a rise in cases where elderly patients miss appointments due to online booking challenges, which could potentially worsen their health conditions or lead to missed diagnoses.
Turning back to conventional phone bookings will ensure that everyone, irrespective of their technical abilities, can access healthcare when they need it. It is imperative to revert this system to accommodate everyone, allowing patients to speak directly with human operators who can provide guidance, reassurance, and flexibility when scheduling appointments.
Let's stand together and advocate for a healthcare booking system that includes everyone. Urge NHS management and healthcare providers to restore phone booking options alongside online systems. Ensure no one is denied the right to timely and effective healthcare simply because they are not digitally savvy.
Please sign this petition to bring back the option to book doctor’s appointments over the phone and make healthcare more accessible for all.
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Petition created on 27 July 2026