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The British Medical Association (BMA) is cautioning about the potential risks of implementing a new online booking system in England. The concern is that important health issues could be overlooked by general practitioners (GPs), resulting in harm to patients. Health Secretary Wes Streeting, on the other hand, reassures that patient interests are a top priority and safeguards have been established in partnership with the union.
On the upcoming roll-out of the online booking plan, the BMA is urging the government to pause and make necessary adjustments. The union’s primary contention is that the online system may not effectively differentiate between urgent and non-urgent patient requests, potentially causing delays in addressing critical cases. Additionally, there are apprehensions about the system leading to an overwhelming amount of triage requests without a corresponding increase in the workforce to handle the surge.
Despite the BMA’s reservations, the government asserts that the online booking initiative was part of a mutually agreed contract. Streeting stresses the need for NHS services to keep pace with modern technological conveniences, emphasizing that patients should be able to request medical appointments online just as they would for other services. While acknowledging the concerns raised, officials point to the positive impact reported by surgeries that have already implemented the online booking system, such as reduced wait times for appointments.
Dr. Katie Bramall-Stainer, chair of the BMA GP committee, expresses disappointment over what she sees as unfulfilled promises regarding necessary safeguards for the new system. She highlights the potential consequences of the changes, warning of potential hospital-like waiting lists in general practice and a reduction in face-to-face GP appointments. Despite the government’s assertions of additional GPs being hired and improved patient satisfaction, there remains a rift between the union’s concerns and the government’s position on the imminent introduction of online booking
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