WES Streeting yesterday launched a blistering broadside at militant doctors who want to make it harder to book appointments.
The Health Secretary hit out at the “crazy” British Medical Association after the union threatened strike if NHS online booking systems are improved.
The struggling health service has drawn up plans for every GP practice to allow patients to schedule appointments digitally from October 1.
In a bizarre rant, the BMA complained the move isn’t being introduced with adequate “safeguards”.
They said promised measures to avoid urgent clinical requests being accidentally submitted online aren’t yet in place, which would lead to a “barrage” of requests.
Ahead of Mr Streeting’s speech at Labour conference today, the union warned of industrial action unless changes are made.
Slamming the demand, the Health Secretary said: “It is absurd that in 2025 many patients can’t request appointments online.
“If you can book a hair appointment online, you should be able to book an NHS appointment too.”
He added: “This move – which the BMA agreed to – will support GPs to care for their patients who need non-urgent care.
“We have agreed clear safeguards, where patients will be directed to phone up or attend in person for urgent appointments.
“The BMA knows this.”
Dennis Reed, from the patients group Silver Voices, blasted the threat as “crazy”.
He said: “I think people will see this as lazy – this dispute will make it harder for patients when it is hard enough already.”
