GP surgeries enlist digital TV receptionists

More than 1,100 of the UK's GP surgeries can now offer patients the ability to amend, book and cancel appointments via digital interactive TV and mobile phone.

The booking service gives patients access to their GP's appointment book by pushing a few buttons on their digital remote control or mobile.

Patients have access to the same system that the doctor's receptionist uses when someone rings up or asks for an appointment in person.

Future plans for the service include repeat prescriptions and patient health information, according to the service's maker and primary care systems provider Egton Medical Information Systems (Emis). Only those surgeries with Emis' systems in place can use the booking service.

Surgeries in Reading, South Yorkshire and Stoke have been piloting the service and have reported fewer missed appointments since the system was rolled out.

Steve Langrick, interactive services manager of Kirklees Council, told CNET.co.uk's sister site, silicon.com, a number of surgeries will take up this service because of the reduced number of missed appointments.

While Web-based appointment bookings are more commonplace, Langrick added, the digital TV and mobile capability will reach different sections of the community that may not have access to or understand the Internet.

Patients can sign up for the service via their doctor's surgery, which hands out access and individual password information.

The GP appointment booking service is available for free on digital television, via the Looking Local service on the interactive menus of Sky, cable and Freeview boxes with a modem or broadband connection.

WAP-enabled mobile can also access Looking Local -- but will be charged at varying rates depending on the service provider.