Watchdog knocks online GP service

By Leslie Berry

Independent online primary care services providers have been hit with criticism about their quality from the regulator.

The Independent Doctors Federation’s Dr Neil Haughton wrote about online services in an article in last month’s issue

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) said businesses such as those providing GP consultations and prescriptions from independent websites and apps had improved in the last year, but more was  needed to ensure they are as safe as general practice in physical premises.

At the end of February, 43% of the 55 providers inspected were found not to be providing ‘safe’ care in line with regulations – an improvement from 86% not fully meeting them on their first inspections.

Inspectors found: