Hundreds of GP practices across England and Wales are experiencing disruptions to their online services following the collapse of the technology firm Silicon Practice. The firm's failure has impacted its digital tool, FootFall, which facilitated online appointment booking and aimed to reduce patient calls.
NHS England confirmed that while most GP practice websites remain operational, those utilizing Silicon Practice's services have been affected. An NHS England spokesperson stated that affected practices have been contacted and are being provided with advice on how to maintain continuity of care and minimize the impact on patients. Patients who find their GP practice website unavailable and require assistance are advised to contact their practice by phone or in person.
Silicon Practice's FootFall tool was advertised as a means to reduce phone calls to GP practices by up to 30% by automating routine administrative tasks and improving demand management. The company claimed its service was utilized in over 1,000 GP practices throughout the UK.
GP leaders have expressed concern over the significant disruption this may cause, particularly in certain regions. Prof. Victoria Tzortziou Brown, president of the Royal College of GPs, highlighted the growing importance of practice websites for patient access to appointments, information, and services. She emphasized that website outages are disruptive for patients and add pressure to already burdened practice teams.
"It is vital that any disruption to practice websites is addressed promptly to ensure patients are able to access care," Prof. Tzortziou Brown stated. She also called for prompt and practical support from NHS England and local NHS organizations to help affected practices restore their websites, mitigate disruption, and ensure patients are aware of alternative contact methods and care access points.