A health watchdog has welcomed the news that every GP practice now offers online appointment bookings.

Healthwatch Enfield’s new audit showed “marked improvements” had been made in providing online services for repeat prescriptions and booking appointments.

In September 2014 just a handful of practices offered the services.

However, some practices are offering the services through patient website NHS Choices.

In addition each GP surgery's website now provides up-to-date information on out-of-hours care and has information about how to complain.

Healthwatch Enfield chief executive Lorna Reith said “We are aware that patients want the option to book appointments and order repeat prescriptions on line so we are very pleased that these services are now available in GP practices across the borough.

“As more patients use online services there will be less pressure on phone lines and receptionists will have more time for those patients who call in person.

“Compared to the findings from our audit in September, our latest audit shows a big improvement in the quality of online information about GP services, though we would still like to see more practices include information about interpreters on their websites.”