All GP surgeries in England will have free WiFi for patients by the end of the year, NHS Digital has pledged, while hospitals and secondary-care services will get online in 2018.

England’s 187 clinical commissioning groups (CCGs) have all received funding to roll out WiFi in GP surgeries. Each now needs to find a supplier whose service meets NHS Digital’s specified standards. 

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In the coming months, secondary-care trusts will begin receiving funding. The aim is to have WiFi up and running at hospitals and other facilities that provide secondary-care services by December 2018.

GP’s patients will be able to connect via an NHS.UK landing page, which will host generic healthcare information, in addition to resources specific to the practice or CCG in question. Internet access will allow patients to connect with local clinics and other services, as well as download health apps and browse the web, NHS Digital said.

David Corbett, NHS WiFi programme head at NHS Digital, said: "The introduction of free WiFi services across NHS primary- and secondary-care locations is a response to feedback from patients and staff. It will provide an efficient, reliable, and secure platform that will enable patients and carers to access and utilise digital health and care services. 

He added: “This will support improved patient experience and help patients to take more control and have more involvement in the delivery of their care. It will also provide clinicians and other NHS staff with greater access to online information, services and tools which will support them to deliver better care, and ultimately improve clinical outcomes."