What the new NHS access rules mean for patients and when private same-day GP care still makes sense.
Written by the AccessGP Clinical Team
Reviewed by Dr Zamiel Hussain MBBS MRCGP — Founder of AccessGP
Introduction
From 1 October 2025, every GP practice in England must keep its online consultation tool open all day during core hours (8:00–18:30, Mon–Fri) for non-urgent appointment requests, admin and medication queries. The change is designed to reduce jammed phone lines and curb the old “8am rush.”
From 1 Oct 2025, online request systems must stay open all day in core hours — not just at 8am.
This post explains what the switchover actually means for you, how it affects NHS access, and where a private GP like AccessGP fits if you still need same-day advice or more flexible options.
What changed on 1 October (in plain English)
- Online requests on all day: Practices must keep their online consultation portal open throughout 8:00–18:30 for non-urgent needs (appointment requests, admin, medication). Practices should display clear guidance and safety guard-rails so urgent problems aren’t misrouted.
- ‘You and Your General Practice’ charter & access messaging: Practices are expected to publish standardised access info for patients on their websites.
- Compliance matters: ICBs can take contractual action if practices don’t comply with the 25/26 contract requirements set out for 1 October.
Some professional bodies have voiced concerns about workload and safety if unlimited requests flow in without robust triage. Patients should expect practices to refine messaging and safeguards in the early weeks.
What this means for you as a patient
- Easier to contact your NHS practice: You shouldn’t need to hammer redial at 8am. You can submit non-urgent requests online at any time during core hours, and the practice will triage/respond according to clinical need.
- Urgent symptoms still need urgent routes: Severe chest pain, breathlessness, stroke symptoms, heavy bleeding or sepsis red flags still require 999/A&E or same-day urgent triage by your practice — not an online admin form. (NHS urgent care routes remain unchanged by the switchover.)
- Expect some bedding-in: Practices may adjust forms, messaging and triage windows over October/November as they calibrate demand and safety processes.
Where a private GP fits now (and why people still choose one)
The switchover improves NHS access routes, but it doesn’t guarantee you’ll be seen the same day or at a time that suits your work/family schedule. That’s where a private GP service complements the NHS:
- Rapid, same-day appointments (often within hours) when you can’t wait for routine NHS slots.
- Longer consults (typically 20–30 minutes) for more complex or multiple issues.
- Evening/weekend flexibility, avoiding time off work.
- Immediate private prescriptions, letters and fast-tracked diagnostics/referrals when clinically appropriate.
- Continuity with the same doctor where possible — useful for ongoing concerns.
Contract bodies confirm practices must comply from 1 Oct 2025 — or risk remedial/breach notices from ICBs.
When should you use which option?
Use your NHS practice online portal (core hours) for:
- Submitting requests online throughout the day — whether for a new health concern, a medication query, or a fit note. Requests are triaged safely by your practice team, and urgent issues are prioritised or directed to emergency care if needed.
Consider AccessGP (private GP) when you:
- Need same-day clinical advice and can’t secure a timely NHS slot
- Prefer evening/weekend booking or longer appointment time
- Need rapid letters, referrals or tests (when clinically indicated)
- Want continuity with a named GP for ongoing issues
Emergency symptoms? Call 999 or go to A&E.
Conclusion
The 1 October switchover is a real change to how you contact your NHS GP — online, during all core hours. It should ease phone queues and make non-urgent requests simpler. If you still need speed, flexibility or longer consultation time, AccessGP offers same-day private GP appointments that dovetail with the new NHS access model and keep your care moving.
Key sources: NHS England – GP Contract 2025/26; ONS – Experiences of NHS Healthcare Services 2025; BMA – GP Contract Update & ICB Compliance Guidance; Pulse Today – What the October GP Access Changes Mean for Practices and Patients.