THERE has been a huge surge in patients accessing online GP services, new figures reveal.

Nearly 14 million patients across England are now securely using online services with their family doctor.

Use of online services by patients includes to book appointments, order repeat prescriptions and view their record.

NHS figures show an increase of 42 per cent in people who are signed up for online services compared to the same time last year.

Health chiefs have welcomed the news and said it would 'help to ease pressure' on GPs and their staff and save patients’ time and money.