Online Consultation

What is Online Consultation?

Online consultation is a way to contact your GP practice using the internet. 

You can use it to: 

• Request help with admin tasks (like sick (fit) notes or prescriptions) 
• Ask about a medical problem or medication 
• Access trusted NHS health advice 

How it works

To use Online Consultation: 

1. Go to your GP practice’s website or open the NHS App 
2. Select the Online Consultation option – this may say something like “Book an appointment online” or “Accurx” or “econsult” 
3. Choose the type of help you need 
4. Fill in the form with your details and request 
5. Submit it securely to your GP practice 
6. Your GP practice team will then look at your form and decide what is best for you. If you send your request between 8am and 6.30pm, Monday to Friday your GP practice will respond the same day.
7. If they think you need an appointment, they will contact you to book it. This might be online or face-to-face in the surgery. If they think you need something else, they might tell you to, for example, speak to your local pharmacy. The outcome will be the same whether you complete the online form, call the practice, or walk-in and speak to them 
8.  The form does not let you book an appointment there and then, although you might be able to book some types of appointments, such as smear tests (cervical screening) or vaccinations. 

Accessing Online Consultation

You can use Online Consultation on:

• Your computer/tablet via the GP practice website 
• Your smartphone via the GP practice website or the NHS App 

Reminder: your GP practice will review your request during their opening hours and respond as soon as possible. This might be the same day, or the next working day. 

Online Consultation is not for emergencies. If you need help on the same day: 

• Call your GP practice as usual in the morning, or visit in person 
• Visit 111.nhs.uk or call 111  
• Always call 999 in a life-threatening emergency 

You can also use Online Consultation on behalf of someone else, such as a child or someone you care for.