Wigan patients among thousands unable to access GPs online after collapse of tech firm
Billinge Medical Practice is among GP surgeries across the country affected by the tech firm’s collapse.
Thousands of patients, including some in Wigan, have been unable to access their GP surgery online after a tech firm collapsed into administration.
The loss of Silicon Practice means some services, such as entire websites, online consultations and chatbots, are no longer running.
People across the country have been affected, including patients at Billinge Medical Practice.
A post on its Facebook page said: “Our website is currently unavailable because the company that hosts it has gone into administration. This is affecting many GP practices.
“We are working with the local NHS integrated care board (ICB) to arrange a new website host. We do not yet have a confirmed timescale for a replacement website, but we will keep you updated here.”
Patients were advised to call the practice on 01744 892205 or use online service Blinx in the meantime, while repeat prescriptions can be ordered by email, phone or the NHS app.
The practice, which recently moved to Garswood, said it was receiving a higher number of calls than usual and had increased the number of staff answering phones.
It added: “We are sorry for the inconvenience and thank you for your patience and understanding while we put the new arrangements in place.”
According to the NHS, fewer than 10 per cent of the around 6,000 practices in England are affected.
An NHS England 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.”
Affected practices have been contacted by NHS England with advice on how to maintain business continuity and minimise the impact on patient care.
Silicon Practice ran the digital tool FootFall, which it advertised as reducing patient phone calls to practices by 30 per cent.
It said FootFall worked to “free your reception team from routine admin and manage demand more efficiently. Proven in 1,000+ GP practices across the UK”.