Patients registered at Swadlincote Surgery must now use a new online system to request GP appointments following a change that took effect on 1 April 2026. The practice, located on Darklands Road, has moved all online appointment requests to a platform called SystmConnect, meaning the previous system, SystmOnline, will no longer be used for booking appointments.
The surgery announced the update on 31 March 2026, stating that the move is due to external contractual requirements. Patients looking to book online are now directed to use the practice website at www.swadlincotesurgery.co.uk to submit their requests. The new platform, developed by The Phoenix Partnership, allows users to log in using their existing NHS App, Airmid, or SystmOnline credentials.
This transition is part of a wider shift across England, following a mandate from the Department of Health and Social Care that requires all GP practices to keep online booking systems open throughout working hours, from 8am to 6:30pm. Health Secretary Wes Streeting has promoted these changes as a way to simplify the process for patients, aiming to make booking an appointment as straightforward as ordering a delivery or taxi.
However, the move to mandatory online booking systems has faced criticism from the British Medical Association. The union representing doctors has raised concerns that these systems may struggle to distinguish between urgent and non-urgent health issues. Medical professionals have warned that without proper safeguards, the change could lead to delays in care for patients with serious or life-threatening conditions.
Swadlincote Surgery serves approximately 14,109 patients. While the online booking process has changed, patients are advised to visit the surgery website for further information on how to navigate the new system for their healthcare needs.
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