How to get a GP appointment without the 8am scramble
The 8am phone queue isn't the only way in any more. Since October 2025 practices in England have had to take online requests all day. Here's every route to an appointment, what to say to get the right one, and what you're entitled to.
The routes in, from quickest to slowest
- Online, any time in core hours. From 1 October 2025, practices must keep their online consultation tool open from 8am to 6:30pm for non-urgent appointment requests, medication queries and admin requests (NHS England). Look for it on your practice's website or in the NHS App.
- By phone or in person. NHS England wants patients to be able to contact their practice by phone, online or by walking in, with an equitable experience whichever they choose (NHS England). The phone is still the answer for many people, especially if you're not online.
- A pharmacy, for some common problems. Under Pharmacy First, most pharmacies in England can give advice and, where needed, prescription medicine for seven conditions without a GP appointment: sinusitis, sore throat, earache, infected insect bites, impetigo, shingles and urinary tract infections in women, each for certain age groups (NHS).
If it's urgent and you can't wait for your GP, use NHS 111 online or call 111. In an emergency, call 999.
What to say to get the right appointment
Whether you fill in the online form or speak to a receptionist, you're being triaged: the practice decides who you should see and how soon from what you tell them. Be specific.
- What the problem is, when it started and whether it's getting worse.
- What you've already tried, and any medicines you take.
- What you're asking for: a face-to-face appointment, a phone call, a particular GP, or a repeat prescription.
- When you can't do (work, school run), and the best number to call you back on.
If you're not registered yet
You don't need ID, proof of address, proof of immigration status or an NHS number to register with a GP practice (NHS). A practice can turn you down only for reasons such as not taking new patients or you living outside its area, and it must write to you within 14 days to explain why. If you don't speak English, you can ask for interpretation in your language when you make an appointment (NHS England).
If someone else is calling for you
A relative, a friend or an assistant can phone to ask for an appointment for you. A carer can speak for you with your consent (NHS England), and for anything about your records or results the practice will usually want your consent first, or to speak to you directly. Ask your practice how it records that consent.
Where Ringdone fits
If phoning is the route that works for you but the queue doesn't, Dito can make the call, wait a few minutes on hold, ask for the kind of appointment you need and send you what was offered. It only shares what you put in the task, and it's for routine bookings, never for anything urgent.
Questions
- Do I have to phone at 8am?
- Not for non-urgent requests. Since 1 October 2025, practices in England must keep online requests open from 8am to 6:30pm. Phoning is still an option.
- Can a GP practice refuse to register me without proof of address?
- Not for that reason. The NHS says you don't need ID, proof of address or proof of immigration status to register. A practice can refuse for other reasons, such as not taking new patients, and must explain why in writing within 14 days.
- Can I get an interpreter?
- Yes. If you don't speak English, you can ask for interpretation in your language when you make the appointment.
Sources
Checked on the date above. Rules change: if something looks out of date, the source is the one to trust.