GP practice websites play an increasingly central role in healthcare delivery, and the new NHS England GP Contract for 2025/26 includes some important updates. Here's an overview of these key changes, along with practical insights to help your practice adapt effectively.
Continuous Online Consultation Access
From 1 October 2025, GP practices must ensure their websites provide continuous access to online consultation forms throughout standard working hours (8:00am–6:30pm, Monday to Friday). This change allows patients to conveniently handle routine tasks—such as requesting appointments, medication refills, or administrative queries—without having to phone the practice, particularly during busy morning periods. The primary benefit is that it reduces call volumes, allowing staff to better manage urgent patient calls.
Introduction of the Patient Charter
NHS England will introduce a new standard “Patient Charter” later this year, outlining clearly the service standards patients should expect from GP practices. Once published, practices must prominently display this charter on their websites. The Patient Charter aims to increase transparency by detailing both patient rights and responsibilities, potentially helping practices reduce confusion, enhance patient communication, and improve overall satisfaction.
Maintaining Current Standards: Accessibility, Online Booking, and NHS App Promotion
Although the new contract does not add further requirements regarding website accessibility or online booking systems, maintaining these existing standards remains critical. Practices should continue to ensure their websites are accessible, easy-to-use, regularly updated, and feature reliable online booking functionality. Additionally, practices are encouraged to promote and integrate the NHS App, further streamlining patient access to online services, such as booking appointments and viewing medical records.
Reviewing Your Practice Website with Redmoor Health
Redmoor Health specialises in reviewing GP practice websites to ensure compliance with NHS standards. Our website review service helps practices quickly understand their performance, identify compliance issues, and highlight areas for improvement. By clearly visualising practice website data, our reviews simplify complex information, enabling practices to easily prioritise improvements.
Our approach includes a detailed analysis of individual practice websites, clear visual data presentations instead of lengthy reports, and straightforward identification of mandatory compliance tasks versus recommended improvements.
If you’re interested in understanding how your GP practice website currently measures up against NHS requirements, please get in touch with Redmoor Health to arrange a detailed review.
Blog by Kylie Halliwell
Kylie is a dedicated and experienced healthcare professional with nearly a decade of service in the National Health Service (NHS). Throughout her career, she has seamlessly navigated various nursing roles, showcasing her versatility and commitment to patient care. Kylie’s expertise spans from trauma care to general practice, allowing her to develop a comprehensive understanding of the diverse challenges within the healthcare system.
Having worked extensively with systems like EMIS, Kylie possesses a high level of technical proficiency, enhancing her ability to provide efficient and effective care. Her hands-on experience in different areas of the NHS has equipped her with a wealth of knowledge, enabling her to navigate the complexities of the healthcare landscape.
Kylie’s commitment to her profession is underscored by her resilience and adaptability, as she has actively contributed to the NHS for nearly a decade. Her insights into the pressures faced by the healthcare system reflect a deep understanding of the current challenges and underscore her passion for making a positive impact in the field. Through her dedication and expertise, Kylie continues to play a crucial role in ensuring the well-being of patients within the NHS.
