Doctors have raised concerns over introducing an electronic system for booking follow-up appointments at Medway hospital.

The NHS e-Referral service was launched in 2015 and NHS England has said it must be fully implemented by October.

But local doctors are worried the changeover is happening too quickly and putting patients at risk.

Kent Local Medical Committee has written to Medway NHS Foundation Trust explaining its concerns which include how quickly this will be introduced and training for GPs.

Dr Julian Spinks, group vice chairman, said: “Our concerns are with the pace of change and whether we have things in place to avoid any problems.

“So far we’ve found it difficult to find space for appointments sometimes, the clinic you need isn’t always an option and some GPs have had issues with their locums who aren’t trained in the system. It also means a change of administration out of the hospital and into the practices.

“Having said that, when it does work well it is a good system, but we have to make sure we have the capacity to run it.”

Liz Capp-Gray, acting director of IT at Medway NHS Foundation Trust, said: “e-Referral represents a better, safer referral system for patients which reduces the delays which can be caused by hard-copy referrals.

“Appointments can be booked either in the comfort of the patient’s own home or at their GP surgery and many patients will be able to leave their surgery with a confirmed date for their appointments.

“Our local CCGs are working with practices in Medway and Swale to ensure that GP practice staff have the skills and IT infrastructure to use the e-referral system.

“We also have a fully updated directory of services on the system, and have robust business continuity plans in case of any system outages in the future.”

A ‘soft switch-off’ began at the hospital a few weeks ago and both electronic and non-electronic referrals are being accepted at the moment.

However, non-electronic referrals will be phased out, but to ensure patient safety, non-electronic referrals for patients undergoing treatment for suspected cancer will be accepted.