Minister faces backlash over claim that patients are 'comfortable' attending GP appointments online

The social care minister faced a backlash yesterday after claiming that patients are very comfortable engaging with remote appointments.

Helen Whately, pictured, said the NHS will monitor up to 50,000 patients a month in their own homes rather than in hospital under plans to free-up beds.

The virtual wards will involve patients wearing watches or finger sensors that monitor their vital signs and report back to doctors, who will hold video consultations.

Patients were often denied face-to-face GP appointments during the Covid-19 pandemic as family doctors switched to phone and video.