Figures from NHS England reveal that there were 31.4 million GP appointments in March - up 6.1% on the same period a year earlier, with the figure 19.8% higher than pre-pandemic. 

The new GP contract will modernise general practice by requiring surgeries to allow patients to request appointments online throughout working hours from October, freeing up the phones for those who need them most and making it easier for practices to triage patients based on medical need.   

Almost every (99%) GP practice in England has also upgraded their phone tech, meaning that phone lines can be expanded.   

In addition, the latest figures show an extra 1,503 GPs have been recruited since October 2024. 

Dr Amanda Doyle, national director for primary care and community services, said: 'For some patients contacting their practice using online methods can be more convenient and easier to access care for their health needs and it's great to see practices, such as Lingwell Croft Surgery, making advances in the use of technology to support this shift for people who are confident to do so, and have digital access. 

'However, there's still more to do to make it easier for patients to contact and see their local GP, which includes making even better use of new technology to improve patient care.'

In response, Ruth Rankine, primary care director at the NHS Confederation, said: ‘Even with this new technology GPs and their teams are still facing an enormous demand for care, often from patients with multiple or more complex conditions. That is why our members support the government's ambition to invest more in care in the community, so that patients can get the right care from the right clinician as early and close to their home as possible.

‘We know the NHS is in a difficult financial position, but there must be a balance between meeting important financial and improvement targets and implementing the vital reforms necessary to put the health service on a sustainable footing.'