Patients unable to view GP practice websites

1 hour ago

Henry Godfrey-Evans

News image — NHS England says most practice websites are running as normal

Getty Images A stock image of a male GP, who is wearing a light-coloured shirt with the sleeves rolled up, sitting in front of a laptop. They are holding a phone in their left hand and their right hand is on the computer keyboard. Their face is not visible. They're in a white room. They have a blue stethoscope around their neck. — NHS England says most practice websites are running as normal

Some GPs have asked patients to phone if they need to get in touch after a number of surgeries' websites crashed.

Clicking on sites for the Norwich Health Centre and the Millwood Medical Practice in Great Yarmouth, among others, generated error messages.

GPs in England and Wales that use the company Silicon Practice, which provides the services, were hit after it went into administration.

NHS England said less than 10% of its more than 6,000 general practices had been affected.

Google Maps A street view of School Lane Surgery and Pharmacy — School Lane Surgery and Pharmacy says it is looking for a new website host

School Lane Surgery and Pharmacy in Thetford apologised for the disruption and said it was looking for a new website host and online form provider.

A spokesperson said: "As I'm sure you can appreciate, this may take some time as many other surgeries across the country that have been impacted will also be doing the same.

"Currently our phone lines are busier than usual and thank you for your understanding and patience.

"We understand that this is frustrating, and we are sorry for the inconvenience."

Meanwhile, Hellesdon Medical Practice in Norwich released a statement on social media on Tuesday saying its website was "currently down" and it would update patients once it knew more.

Google Maps A street view of Hellesdon Medical Practice. — Hellesdon Medical Practice is on the edge of Norwich

The Norfolk and Suffolk Integrated Care Board, responsible for overseeing health services across the two counties, has been contacted for comment.

NHS England said it had contacted practices to ensure the impact on patients was minimal.

A spokesperson said: "While the majority of GP practice websites are running as normal, some practices which use Silicon Practice will be affected by the company going into administration.

"If your GP practice website is unavailable and you need help, you should contact your practice by phone or in person as usual."

On 16 October, Schappit, the owner of Silicon Practice, filed a notice of intention to appoint administrators after facing financial difficulties.