Patients will be seen by doctors over the internet more after lockdown measures proved a success.

This week health bosses announced that while GPs will offer their patients traditional appointments at the surgery, they will now also give consultations by phone or video call, where this is practical and convenient.

During lockdown fewer people attended their GP surgery as the government tried to cut the risk of infection.

While in-person appointments were offered to those who needed to be seen, mobile devices and web cams allowed many patients to see and speak to their doctor from home.

Health Minister David Ashford said this method has now become the ’new state of play in general practice’.

He added: ’However, I can reassure patients that face-to-face consultations remain a vital part of the frontline service offered by our GPs.

’Many patients are happy to have a remote appointment, as it will save them a journey to the practice. Phone consultations won’t replace in-person appointments, but we expect them to become part of day-to-day general medical practice.’

But the Department of Health and Social Care said that people will be sign posted by practice staff over the phone to best determine to which medical practitioner they need.

The department said this is ’to ensure that a face-to-face appointment is offered when it’s needed’.

Virtual consultations are also available and health queries of any kind can be made by patients, parents and carers via phone, the practice website or in person.

A DHSC spokesman said: ’Patients who are seen at the surgery will be asked a number of questions by the receptionist, to establish whether any precautions are needed before they attend.

’These include asking if the individual has any Covid-19 symptoms and whether they have travelled off island in the last 14 days, or had continuous contact with someone who has.

’It is important that the receptionist asks these questions to protect the public and staff, and patients’ co-operation in providing the information is appreciated. The screening is being carried out at the request of the DHSC.’

Patients seeking a sick note review are asked to book a phone call rather than a face-to-face appointment, unless requested otherwise by the practice.

The best way to order repeat prescriptions is via patient access, the practice website or a repeat prescription slip, as they are not taken over the phone.