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<p>The Department prepared an equality impact assessment when introducing online booking
services for general practitioner (GP) appointments. In addition, local NHS England,
or the clinical commissioning group, where the responsibility is delegated to them,
carry out their own assessments to take account of their GP practice populations’
needs.</p><p> </p><p>Online services are not a replacement for face to face or telephone
interactions, but another complementary way to access services. NHS England’s initial
findings show that older people are more frequent users of online services and over
75s regularly register to use the service. In addition, carers of those who are much
older are able to access appointment and order prescriptions on their behalf (with
appropriate authorisation and safeguards).</p><p> </p><p>The use of online services
frees up staff to spend more time with those who do not wish to use online services
and prefer to continue using the phone or come to the practice in person to make appointments.</p><p><strong>
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