Introduction
Booking a GP appointment in 2025 can feel more difficult than ever. Across the UK, many patients are waiting longer for routine consultations and follow-ups. Our team of NHS-trained GPs understands both sides of the issue: the dedication of colleagues working under pressure and the frustration of patients who simply want timely, reassuring care.
Over 7 million people in England are currently on NHS waiting lists for treatment (BMA 2025).
As waiting times increase, more patients are combining NHS continuity with the convenience of private and online GP access to stay in control of their health.
Why Waiting Times Remain a Challenge
The October 2025 access targets aim to improve responsiveness, yet demand continues to exceed available GP capacity.
- The UK has fewer full-time equivalent GPs per 1,000 patients than most Western European nations.
- Nearly 2.9 million patients have waited more than 18 weeks for secondary-care treatment.
- An ageing population and higher rates of chronic conditions have raised consultation volumes.
Most practices must prioritise urgent cases first, which leaves non-urgent appointments waiting longer.
The Shift to Digital and Private Access
Over the past year, record numbers of people have turned to digital appointments. Video and phone consultations now account for a significant proportion of primary-care interactions.
Benefits of digital access include:
- Same-day or next-day consultations from home or work.
- Appointment times that fit around personal and professional schedules.
- Electronic prescriptions and referrals without travel or delay.
Fifteen million people in the UK used an online GP consultation in the past year (ZAVA 2025).
Private GP platforms such as AccessGP are designed to complement NHS care, providing faster access when patients need it most.
How Delays Affect Health and Wellbeing
Long waiting times can impact both physical and mental health:
- Missed early diagnoses for conditions like diabetes or hypertension.
- Increased anxiety and poor sleep caused by uncertainty.
- Higher A&E attendance for issues that could have been addressed in primary care.
Timely GP advice prevents small concerns from developing into larger problems.
How Patients Are Adapting
- Using NHS digital tools. The NHS App allows repeat prescriptions, result reviews and non-urgent queries.
- Planning ahead. Booking medication reviews or follow-up blood tests early helps avoid seasonal backlogs.
- Combining care. Many patients use AccessGP for same-day consultations while continuing long-term management with their NHS practice.
- Acting early. A brief online appointment can explore worrying symptoms and trigger timely referral.
What AccessGP Offers
AccessGP provides same-day online GP appointments with experienced, NHS-trained doctors.
Patients can receive clinical assessment, prescriptions, referral letters and personalised advice through a secure, easy-to-use platform.
Our goal is simple: make healthcare flexible, confidential and fast, without compromising quality.
When to Seek Urgent Care
For severe symptoms such as chest pain, breathlessness, heavy bleeding or sudden weakness, always call 999 or attend A&E.
Online GP services are best suited to non-urgent problems and ongoing health management.
Conclusion
NHS teams continue to provide exceptional care under high pressure, but the system is still stretched.
Private digital GP services like AccessGP help patients take control of their wellbeing, offering rapid, reliable access to trusted medical advice.
For those waiting on an appointment or needing quick reassurance, an online GP consultation can be the fastest route to peace of mind.
Key sources: BMA (2025) NHS Backlog Data Analysis; ZAVA Digital Health Report (2025); NHS England (2025) Primary Care Access and Reform Guidance; Health Foundation (2025) State of General Practice Report; ONS (2025) NHS Patient Experience Survey Results.