A North Swindon doctor's surgery is believed to be the first in the country to offer an online diary viewing service for its patients

Over 70% of patients registered with the Taw Hill surgery have access to the internet. To make life easier they are given a password to access a secure area of the GP's website to see which appointment slots are free. They can view up to 30 days in advance, but patients still have to telephone the receptionist to book the chosen time and the site is updated within 15 minutes.

Dr Peter Crouch said, "we are giving patients the chance to look at their diaries before calling the surgery. It means they can fit an appointment around their schedules, rather than around ours. It will also save time when confirming on the telephone."

The service which has been well received since it was launched at the end of May, will also make the running of the surgery more efficient. The Department of Health is monitoring the scheme to see how it might be applied throughout the health service.

The practice can be visited on the interent at: www.tawhillsurgery.com