How Can Tech Help GP Practices? Exploring the Benefits at Digital Health Rewired 2025

Author: Max Gattlin, Director, X-on Health

As of December 2024, general practice in the UK recorded a staggering 39 million appointments—over 41 million if COVID-19 vaccinations are included—representing the highest monthly total on record. Yet, primary care faces overwhelming demand coupled with clinician shortages, raising alarms among leaders about the sustainability of current services.
At Digital Health Rewired 2025 in Birmingham on 18-19 March, we’ll explore how innovative digital tools, particularly Surgery Assist, can help healthcare leaders navigate these challenges and enhance service delivery within GP practices.
The ongoing pressure on general practices is compounded by the notorious 8am rush, where patients struggle to secure timely appointments. However, many callers are not seeking GP appointments; they may require repeat prescriptions or consultations with other healthcare professionals.
Surgery Assist, offers an AI driven solution that is locally trained to triage calls and direct patients to the appropriate services effectively. This technology has demonstrated a capacity to reduce telephone queues by 30-40%, facilitating faster access to care and alleviating strain on GP practices. Our approach is focused on reimagining access points for surgeries, and with Surgery Assist, we ensure that patients are swiftly directed to the right service, reducing unnecessary congestion and enhancing the overall efficiency of practice operations.
Key Benefits:
1. Automation of Routine Tasks: Surgery Assist streamlines patient enquiries and scheduling, significantly reducing administrative burdens on clinical staff.
2. Enhanced Access to Care: Automated call routing allows for more efficient management of patient needs, ensuring timely care without overwhelming practice resources.
3. Operational Cost Savings: By automating up to 30% of routine workloads, Surgery Assist lowers operational costs, freeing resources for more critical clinical duties.
4. Seamless Integration with Digital Tools: Surgery Assist integrates with platforms such as the NHS App, promoting engagement with digital services among patients and supporting remote care initiatives.
5. Inclusivity and Accessibility: Utilising natural language processing and dynamic translation in over 60 languages, Surgery Assist addresses health disparities and ensures that all patients receive the support they need.
At Digital Health Rewired 2025, we invite leaders to discover how technologies like Surgery Assist can redefine operational efficiency and improve patient access within primary care. By embracing these digital innovations, we can collaboratively enhance service delivery, ensuring a more sustainable and effective healthcare system for the future.
Find us at stand K22 to learn more about how and why AI-powered systems can help transform primary care.
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