Over 1,100 UK surgeries are now able to offer the ability to book, amend and cancel GP appointments via digital interactive TV and mobile phones.

The booking system, which is already available online, was developed by DigiTV in conjunction with primary care systems provider EMIS. 

Citizens across the UK will be able to access their GP's appointment book just by pushing a few buttons on their TV remote control or mobile phone.

EMIS stated that the service has been extended to TVs and mobile phones because a significant number of UK residents still have no internet access and limited PC skills.

"This is a significant milestone for GPs, practice staff and patients. The technology is now in place to offer this free service to a far bigger audience using a range of technical platforms," said Sean Riddell, healthcare managing director at EMIS.

Surgeries in South Yorkshire, Stoke, Reading and Wrexham have been piloting the booking system for some time, and it is now nationally available via the Looking Local portal on digital interactive TV sets.

The pilots showed that there were fewer cases of people not showing up for appointments following the implementation of the service, which has led to a smoother flow of patients through the waiting room.

Patients in participating areas who do not already have a password can get access information from their doctor's receptionist, which will allow them to log in to the system.