Hundreds of GP websites go down with patients unable to book appointments as provider collapses ‘without warning’

Comment now Next THOUSANDS of people have been left unable to make GP appointments online after a website provider suddenly collapsed into administration. Hundreds of GP surgeries across England and Wales have been left scrambling to contact patients after software company Silicon Practise entered administration “without warning”. More than 600 GP surgeries are thought to be affected across the UK Credit: Alamy Stock Photo Those attempting to make urgent or routine appointments with their doctor online have been redirected either to the NHS website or been met with a ‘bad gateway’ message on their browser.

Advertisement Silicon Practice, which claims to “proudly serve 1,000 websites” for GP practices, has been partnering with the NHS since 2005. Sign up for the Health newsletter Thank you! Email address Please provide a valid email. Your info will be used in accordance with our Privacy Policy You'll now receive top stories, breaking news, and more, straight to your email. Its parent company Schappit Ltd filed a notice of administration earlier this month, and yesterday patients of GP practices across the country received alerts telling them their surgery’s website would not be available.

Some surgeries have already warned their patients that they could be without a working website for the next two weeks. Read more Health News 'LOVELY LADY' Mum dies in GP surgery after waiting days for appointment GP SPY Nosy GP surgery worker, 28, sacked for snooping on her bridesmaids' medical records Southgate Surgery in north London told patients: “Our website (for routine issues only) is currently unavailable because our provider went into administration without warning.

“We apologise for the inconvenience. This is temporary while we find a new provider.” Other practices took to social media channels to update patients, including Cranfield & Marston Surgery in Bedford. “URGENT MESSAGE FROM THE SURGERY. Dear Patients, we regret to inform you that the Marston Forest Healthcare practice website is currently unavailable following our website provider, Silicon Practice, entering administration,” they wrote on Facebook.

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Advertisement “This also means that our online patient dashboard is currently not working and cannot be accessed. “We are urgently working with a new provider to restore our websites and online dashboard as quickly as possible. Patients should still be able to contact their local surgery over the phone Credit: Alamy Stock Photo “Please be reassured that our surgeries remain open and patient services continue. In the meantime, please contact the Practice through our usual telephone number, online via Anima or visit the surgery if you require assistance.

“We sincerely apologise for this disruption, which is beyond our control, and appreciate your patience and understanding. Advertisement “We will provide further updates as soon as possible.” Meanwhile, the Downland Practice in Newbury said on its Facebook page: “Urgent practice update: The Downland Practice website has been removed, and online consultation services are currently unavailable. “Following our previous update, The Downland Practice website has been removed this afternoon due to our current website provider: Silicone Practice entering administration.

“Unfortunately, this means that our online consultation services are currently unavailable.” Its staff requested that patients with non-urgent requests and queries wait until Monday (November 2) to contact their GP, to help keep the phone lines clear for those with urgent problems. Advertisement Patients who are affected by the change should still be able to get in touch with their surgery over the phone and in person. And those with the NHS app can still request repeat prescriptions and fit notes through it.

NHS England confirmed GPs using Silicon Practice will be affected, but did not say how long for. RECOMMENDED STORIES A spokesperson said: “While the majority of GP practice websites are running as normal, some practices which use Silicon Practice will be affected by the company going into administration. “If your GP practice website is unavailable and you need help, you should contact your practice by phone or in person as usual.” Advertisement Comment now