Silicon Practice Collapse Leaves 500 GP Surgeries Without Online Services
Tech firm Silicon Practice has gone into administration, disrupting online booking and websites for nearly 500 general practice surgeries across England.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
- Digital service provider Silicon Practice has collapsed, affecting 500 GP surgeries in England.
- Online booking systems and websites in regions like London and Norfolk are currently down.
- Patients are advised to contact their practices via phone or use the NHS app instead.
- GP leaders warn the disruption will cause major administrative burdens and patient delays.
Patients across various parts of the United Kingdom have found themselves unable to access their general practice surgery online after a key technology supplier entered administration. The sudden collapse has disrupted critical digital communication channels between patients and their healthcare providers.
Silicon Practice operated digital infrastructure, including official websites, online booking systems, and digital consultation tools, for roughly 500 general practices across England—representing just under 10% of the total number of practices nationwide. Additionally, services in Wales have also experienced disruptions.
Affected surgeries span multiple regions, including London, Gloucestershire, and Norfolk. With rules introduced last year requiring all practices in England to offer online appointment booking, and over 40% of appointments currently made through these platforms, medical leaders have warned that the technical failure will trigger widespread disruption.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
An NHS England spokesperson stated that while the majority of practice websites are operating normally, those utilizing Silicon Practice software are impacted. Patients whose surgery websites are unavailable are advised to reach out via phone or visit the practice in person as usual. Meanwhile, the official NHS app continues to function without interruption.
Silicon Practice previously ran the digital tool FootFall, which was marketed as a solution to reduce patient phone inquiries by 30% by handling routine administrative tasks and managing demand efficiently across more than 1,000 UK practices.
"When websites are not working, it can be hugely disruptive for patients and place additional pressures on already stretched practice teams."
Prof Victoria Tzortziou Brown, President of the Royal College of GPs
The heavy reliance of public healthcare systems on third-party technology vendors highlights operational vulnerabilities when suppliers face financial collapse. Such incidents force medical staff to abruptly revert to manual workflows and telephone queues, underscoring the delicate balance between digital transformation and administrative resilience in public services.
Professor Victoria Tzortziou Brown, president of the Royal College of GPs, stressed that affected surgeries must receive prompt and practical support from NHS England and local health organizations. Restoring online platforms swiftly is crucial to ensure patients can easily navigate care options and communicate effectively with their medical teams.
Source: BBC Health
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