Elderly residents without the internet have the embarrassment of having to disclose personal information to neighbours or even local councillors so they can help them book a GP appointment.

Cllr Andrew Kolker (Dane Valley, Conservative) said this shouldn't happen and, at Monday's (March 24) meeting of the adults and health committee he asked if there was anything the council could do to help this.

"I understand from Google that about 10 per cent of the population have no internet connection whatsoever, they just don't do the internet," said Cllr Kolker.

"They tend to be older people, people in their 80s maybe.

"To make medical appointments these days, most medical practices, certainly ours, require you to go on a website and make an appointment online.

"So, these people, have to go to either neighbours or councillors to make their medical appointments for them and interact as intermediaries.

"Now that shouldn't be necessary, because it's embarrassing for them. It just shouldn't happen, but it does, so maybe we could do something about that."

Cllr Andrew Kolker, CEC member for Dane Valley (CEC).

Officers said they would raise the matter with the local medical committee, the body which represents all NHS GPs practising in the region.

Dr Matt Atkinson, consultant in public health, said he would draw up a report on the issues and present it back to Cheshire East's health and wellbeing board.