Doctors are hoping a new app will make it easier for thousands of patients to book appointments.

The Elizabeth Courtauld Surgery is now using the Systm Online app, which is available for both iPhones and Androids, to allow its 16,000 patients to book appointments and re-order prescriptions.

More than 1,000 patients have already signed up to its online booking service but it is hoped many more will with the launch of the app, which began being used last week.

The app is free to download and has not cost the surgery any money as it comes as part of the booking system already in use.

Practice manager David Sheddon said: “I would like the number of users to be as high as possible as it gives people more choice and more flexibility.

“I am aware people say it is difficult to get through on the phones.

“We are trying to make it better for people to contact the doctors’ surgery, you can order prescriptions online and send us a list, ring us up or come into the surgery, we are trying to make it as easy as possible to get in touch.”

He stressed that on-day appointments will still only become available at 8.30am regardless of whether they booked over the phone or online.

For more information visit elizabethcourtauld.gpsurgery.net