From Wednesday 1 October, all GP practices across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight will provide their routine online consultations from 8.00am to 6.30pm. The change applies to routine care only and not urgent appointments. A routine problem is something that does not need urgent attention today such as queries about medication, repeat prescriptions, sick notes, or ongoing health issues that can safely wait for a response.
Online GP consultations offer a convenient way for patients to contact their GP practice. Online consultations can be used for various reasons, including describing symptoms, getting advice, requesting prescriptions, and managing some conditions.
While the practice is open, patients are able to:
- Visit the practice
- Call them
- Go online using the practice’s website or the NHS App.
If you need urgent help for your physical or mental health when the general practice is closed, and you cannot wait until they re-open, go online to 111.nhs.uk or call 111. They will tell you what to do next.
As part of the NHS 10-year health plan, there is a drive to ensure that patients have access to more care within their communities. Local people across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight are now able to book more appointments with different healthcare professionals at GP practices, meaning they can be seen quicker and cared for in the best possible way.
James Roach, Director of Primary Care and Local Care at NHS Hampshire and Isle of Wight said: “Our GPs are working harder than ever before and are seeing record numbers of patients each week. By extending the online consultation hours, it will also allow each practice to prioritise those patients needing urgent care.
“Patients now have options regarding how they contact their GP, some may prefer to call them, and others may prefer to complete an online consultation, and our GPs are working differently to meet this demand."
GPs are also required to publish their patient charter on their website from 1 October 2025. This will set out what patients can expect from their practice, and also how patients can support their GP team.
Keeley Ellis, Deputy Director of Primary Care at NHS Hampshire and Isle of Wight said: “As well as extending the online consultation hours, we are also asking patients to help support their local GP practice. We are asking patients to cancel bookings if they no longer need them, so that the time can be given to help support another patient, be prepared ahead of any appointment and ensure that you order your repeat prescriptions in plenty of time.
“All of these things will allow our GPs and those working in the practice to prioritise patients who need urgent help and support.”
There are seven ways that patients can help support their local GP team:
- Be prepared: Before an appointment, think about writing down your symptoms, what you are worried about and what you want to talk about.
- Be on time: Being late for an appointment or being unavailable for a timed call-back can affect other patients.
- Cancel if needed: If you can’t go to your appointment, tell the practice as soon as you can, so that they can offer it to someone else.
- Use the NHS App or website: If you’re confident using smart phones or computers, you can book or cancel appointments, order repeat prescriptions, and see your test results online.
- Turn on notifications: If you use the NHS App, turn on notifications so the practice can contact you more easily. Please keep an eye out for messages.
- Order repeat medicines on time: Make sure you ask for repeat prescriptions on time, so you don’t run out, and only order what you need.
- Join the Patient Participation Group: You practice will have a group of patients who can offer feedback on the services it delivers. Your practice website should explain how you can join.
GP practices are now home to a range of different specialists from physiotherapists to learning disability care coordinators, social prescribers and paramedics. When you contact your practice, you may be offered an appointment with one of these specialists if they are best placed to help you on your road to recovery.
The ‘It Takes a Team’ campaign was launched in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight in March 2025 to highlight the brilliant people we have working in our GP practices. Further information about the campaign and the different specialist roles that are now available to help and support patient is available on the It Takes a Team website.