ACCESS to healthcare by minority-ethnic and low-income groups has been hit by the move to online GP consultations during the pandemic, the People’s Covid Inquiry has heard.

Dr Latifa Patel, vice-chairwoman of the British Medical Association, explained to the inquiry — organised by the Keep Our NHS Public campaign group in the absence of an official probe — how the move online had especially disadvantaged particular social groups.

Speaking in her personal capacity, Dr Patel said: “Where we [NHS staff] couldn’t get hold of mobile phone numbers, these patients were being prematurely discharged. We know that those on low incomes change their mobile number more often.”