NHS sets plan to improve GP access
The NHS, working closely with the Department of Health and Social Care, has published a plan for improving access to GP appointments for patients alongside supporting GPs and their teams.
The measures, including a £250 million winter access fund, will help GP practices improve availability so that patients who need care can get it, often on the same day when needed. The fund will also help boost GPs’ capacity to increase the proportion of face to face appointments.
The NHS will increase its oversight of practices with the most acute issues in relation to access, and GP appointment data will be published at practice level by spring next year.
Your feedback matters
Thank you to everyone who have shared their feedback on GP access with us or Healthwatch England.
The NHS acknowledged this insight helped them recognise there was a problem around GP access.
The plan also recommends that Integrated Care Systems monitor GP services in their areas and draw on the work of local Healthwatch.
It also highlights that NHS, working with us and other organisations, will deliver a campaign to help people understand GP access better.