GPs are providing thousands more appointments to people in south west London and better access through upgraded technology.
New figures show there were more than 738,000 GP appointments in March 2025 – up nearly 20,000 on the same period a year earlier, with the figure almost a quarter (24.7%) higher than pre-pandemic.
At Putneymead Group Medical Practice in Wandsworth, they are using digital transformation to tackle the 8am rush for appointments, freeing up telephone and walk-in options for patients not able to go online.
The practice uses triage and online consultation forms, with every request for an appointment checked before one is given.
It means patients can be quickly triaged and directed to see the right health and care professional.
Putneymead GP Dr Devin Gray (pictured) said: “We encourage anyone who can use the form to complete it online. If you do phone in, we’ll usually first ask you to fill the form out online. But if you can’t, the reception will complete it for you.
“The completed forms go into an inbox which is constantly monitored by a GP who is reviewing every single request and making a judgement, so you’ll get a response quickly.
“That’s a real culture change for patients, but if a parent fills in a form to say, ‘my child is unwell’, and the practice calls them five minutes later with an appointment, they tell us ‘wow, what an amazing system’.”
All GP practices in south west London have also upgraded their phone tech from analogue to digital telephone systems, with the move meaning that phone lines can be expanded.
GP practices in south west London are now delivering more than 700,000 appointments every month – this is great work from our dedicated teams as we continue to do everything possible to ensure people can get the right access to the care they need.
NHS clinical director for primary care in south west London Dr Nicola Jones
Latest figures show that more than 50 additional GPs have been recruited since October 2024.
Sutton GP Dr Raza Toosy, from Park Road Surgery, Wallington, said: “Upgrading our phone lines has also been beneficial, helping us manage demand. Additionally, the wider range of healthcare staff at the surgery, such as physios and pharmacists, has further ensured that our patients receive the right care at the right time.
“With the new systems we have in place, we can now ensure that patients are seen in the most appropriate setting — whether that’s online, by telephone, or face-to-face. This allows us to optimise appointment times to meet patients’ needs while maintaining clinical safety.”
NHS clinical director for primary care in south west London Dr Nicola Jones said: “Improving access to general practice is an NHS priority. It’s great to see practices, such as Park Road Surgery and Putneymead Group Medical Practice, embracing technology to support this shift for people who are confident to use technology and have digital access.
“GP practices in south west London are now delivering more than 700,000 appointments every month – this is great work from our dedicated teams as we continue to do everything possible to ensure people can get the right access to the care they need.
“And please remember, if you want to order repeat prescriptions or view test results you don’t need to contact your doctor – you can use the NHS app.”