Patients in many parts of the country have been left unable to access their GP surgery online after a tech firm went into administration.
Silicon Practice ran digital services, including websites, online booking and consultations, for around 500 practices in England – just under 10% of the total.
Practices across the country, including in London, Gloucestershire and Norfolk, have reported problems. Services in Wales are also affected.
GP leaders said the problem would cause huge disruption, given the scale of online booking that now takes places.
Patients in areas that are affected are being advised they will have to make appointments via the phone. The NHS app is working.
Since last year, all practices in England have had to offer online appointment booking. Currently, more than 40% of appointments are made that way.
An NHS England spokesperson said while “the majority” of GP practice websites were running as normal, some using Silicon Practice will be affected.
“If your GP practice website is unavailable and you need help, you should contact your practice by phone or in person as usual.”