GP Reveals Simple Method to Bypass the 8am Phone Scramble for Appointments
A prominent NHS doctor has highlighted a straightforward approach for patients to contact their general practitioners without enduring the notorious 8am telephone rush. This method leverages digital tools that are already accessible to millions across England.
The NHS App: A Gateway to Easier Healthcare Access
Dr Suraj Kukadia, widely known as Dr Sooj on social media, detailed this solution in a recent TikTok video. He emphasised that online forms provide a completely confidential and secure channel for submitting non-urgent medical queries or requests to GP practices.
"Did you know that if you have a non-urgent symptom or request, you can now avoid the 8am scramble to call your GP practice?" Dr Sooj stated. "As a GP, I am so happy to see that patients now have the option to complete an online form to get in touch with us."
He clarified that these forms are accessible either through a practice's own website or directly via the official NHS App, which is available for download on both iOS and Android platforms.
How the Online Form System Operates
To utilise this service, patients must first set up an NHS login with identity verification. Once registered, users can navigate to the 'Contact your GP about a health problem' section within the app.
"You will complete a series of questions that help your GP practice understand your non-urgent symptom or request," Dr Sooj explained. "You can type in the details easily. For example, 'I feel tired all the time.' This will go straight to your GP practice, and you'll hear back within one working day about the next steps."
Submissions are accepted on weekdays between 8am and 6.30pm, offering considerable flexibility compared to the narrow morning telephone window.
Eligibility and Additional NHS App Features
The NHS App is available to anyone aged 13 or older who is registered with a GP practice in England or the Isle of Man. Residents in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland should consult their local health services for equivalent digital options.
Beyond contacting GPs, the app enables users to:
- View their medical records
- Request repeat prescriptions
- Book vaccination appointments
- Access a range of other healthcare management tools
Complementary Services: NHS 111 for Non-Urgent Guidance
For round-the-clock non-urgent medical advice, the NHS 111 service remains available 365 days a year via phone or online. This free service can assess symptoms and direct patients to appropriate care, such as:
- Urgent treatment centres
- Out-of-hours GP services
- Emergency departments if necessary
However, NHS 111 online, which operates exclusively in England for ages five and above, has certain limitations:
- It cannot issue fit notes (sick notes)
- It cannot manage appointments elsewhere in the NHS
- It addresses one primary symptom at a time from about 120 common topics
Patients in other UK nations should use their regional online services or call 111 to be connected to local support.
This digital shift, championed by practitioners like Dr Sooj, represents a significant step toward reducing administrative burdens on both patients and healthcare staff, while ensuring timely access to primary care for non-emergency needs.
