GP practices across Essex are facing disruption to their websites and online consultation services.
The issue stems from their website provider, Silicon Practice, which has gone into administration.
It has affected online access for patients who usually use practice websites to contact their GP, seek advice, or submit consultation requests.
An NHS England spokesperson said: "While the majority of GP practice websites are running as normal, some practices which use Silicon Practice will be affected by the company going into administration.
"If your GP practice website is unavailable and you need help, you should contact your practice by phone or in person as usual."
Patients who have already submitted online consultation requests are advised not to call their practice, as information has already been received and the practice will respond in due course.
The disruption has affected fewer than 10 per cent of the approximately 6,000 GP practices in England.
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In the meantime, patients in north east Essex are being encouraged to use alternative services where appropriate.
The Pharmacy First scheme allows eligible patients to access care for seven common conditions without a GP referral.
These include sinusitis, sore throat, earache, infected insect bites, impetigo, shingles, and uncomplicated urinary tract infections in women aged 16 to 64.
Patients can visit participating pharmacies directly for these services.
NHS 111 online remains available for those seeking urgent medical help when they cannot contact their GP or when their practice is closed.
An NHS England spokesperson said: "We will work with affected GP practices and will provide further updates as soon as we are able to.
"In the meantime, we thank affected patients for their understanding while alternative website and online consultation arrangements are put in place."
The following north east Essex GP practices are currently affected:
- Abbey Field Medical Centre
- Ambrose Avenue Group
- Ardleigh Surgery
- Colchester Medical Practice
- Colne Medical Centre
- Creffield Medical Group
- East Hill Surgery
- East Lynne Medical Centre
- Fronks Road Surgery
- Harewood Surgery
- Highwoods Surgery
- Lawford Surgery
- Mersea Island Medical Practice
- Mill Road Surgery
- North Clacton Medical Practice
- Turner Road
- Old Road Medical Centre
- Riverside Health Centre
- Rowhedge & University of Essex Medical Practice
- Thorpe-le-Soken Surgery
- Tiptree Medical Centre
- Tollgate Medical Centre
- Walton Medical Centre
- Winstree Medical Practice
- Wivenhoe Surgery
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