Patients unable to access GP websites

Patients have been alerted that their GPs' websites are unavailable due to a "technical issue" at a company that provides the services.

GP practices in England and Wales that use the company Silicon Practice are affected, with access to their websites disrupted after the company went into administration.

A number of practices in Gloucestershire are offline, including The Willow Tree Surgery in Stonehouse , which sent an urgent message to patients reminding them they can still use the NHS App and order prescriptions by calling the practice.

A spokesperson for NHS Gloucestershire ICB said it is "working with practices and partners to resolve the issue as quickly as possible".

It said GP practices remain open, and appointments are unaffected.

Rowcroft Medical Centre in Stroud posted advice for patients on its Facebook page.

"Please be assured that appointments, telephone calls, emails, the NHS App and our Facebook page remain unaffected," it said.

"However, if you have submitted an online form in the last four hours and have not had a response, please call our patient advisors."

A spokesperson for NHS England said: "If your GP practice website is unavailable and you need help, you should contact your practice by phone or in person as usual."

Anyone who needs urgent medical help should use NHS 111 online or call 111.

"Practice teams may be dealing with a higher volume of telephone calls than usual, so patients may experience longer waits," a spokesperson for NHS Gloucestershire ICB said.

"We apologise for any inconvenience and thank patients for their understanding and for treating staff with kindness and respect."

Follow BBC Gloucestershire on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to us on email or via WhatsApp on 0800 313 4630.