Isle Of Wight GP Practices To Extend Online Appointments From October

From Wednesday 1 October, GP practices across the Isle of Wight will extend their online consultation hours, offering patients easier access to their doctors throughout the day.

Island residents will be able to use online consultations between 8am and 6.30pm, matching normal opening hours.

The system can be used to describe symptoms, seek medical advice, request prescriptions, or manage ongoing conditions.

While practices are open, patients will still have the choice to:

• Visit their surgery in person

• Call the practice directly

• Go online via their practice website or the NHS App

For urgent help when practices are closed, Islanders are reminded to use 111.nhs.uk or call 111.

Improving Local Access

The change is part of a wider NHS initiative to expand access to care closer to home.

On the Isle of Wight, this means more appointments are now available not only with GPs but also with a growing team of healthcare professionals, including physiotherapists, paramedics, and social prescribers.

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.”

From October 2025, every practice will also publish a patient charter on its website, setting out what patients can expect from their GP team – and what practices expect in return.

Supporting Your GP Practice

Island patients are being asked to play their part in supporting local services. Keeley Ellis, deputy director of primary care, 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, be prepared ahead of any appointment, and ensure that you order your repeat prescriptions in plenty of time.”

Seven simple steps have been outlined to help GP teams:

1. Be prepared – write down symptoms and concerns before an appointment.

2. Be on time – avoid delays that affect other patients.

3. Cancel if needed – free up slots if you can’t attend.

4. Use the NHS App – book, cancel, order prescriptions, and see test results online.

5. Turn on notifications – ensure your practice can contact you easily.

6. Order medicines on time – only request what you need.

7. Join your Patient Participation Group – give feedback and help improve services.

The changes come under the ‘It Takes a Team’ campaign, launched earlier this year to showcase the range of professionals now working within GP practices across the Island.