NEW guides have been launched to help people with disabilities to access GP online services.

Designed to help those that have sight and hearing problems, autism and learning disabilities, the guides have been developed by NHS England in conjunction with charities Change, RNIB, Sense, The National Autistic Society and Action on Hearing Loss.

GP online services allow patients to book online appointments, request repeat prescriptions and view aspects of their medical records from their laptops, smart phones and tablets.

Dr Masood Nazir, national clinical lead for the programme that delivered GP online services at NHS England, said: "As a GP I am aware of the barriers faced by people with disabilities when accessing care services.

"GP online services are particularly helpful for many people, as they can use accessible technology such as screen readers to independently book their appointments, order repeat prescriptions and review the information in their health record.”

In addition, a range of easy read guides for those with learning disabilities are available.

It helps support using GP online services and covers topics such as how to sign up to GP online services, how to keep accounts secure and how to request access for a carer.

Dr Kiran Patel, medical director at NHS England (West Midlands), added: “Most people realise that getting about when you are blind or partially sighted, or have another disability is more difficult and challenging than for the average person.

"What might not be as obvious is how online services can actually cut out the need to make some of those difficult and inaccessible journeys altogether.

“Using GP Online to renew a prescription without having to negotiate along obstructed pavements and busy roads to a GP practice makes a massive difference.

"It means only one journey is needed to the pharmacy and that managing personal health is made easier.”

To sign-up patients can simply go into their GP practice with two forms of photo ID and complete a short form.

They will then receive a password allowing access online.

Guides can be downloaded by clicking here.