CHANGES which could allow people to book GP appointments online have been backed by Lichfield’s MP.
The Government has agreed a deal with doctors worth an additional £889million a year.
It says the new contract across England will also allow people to ask to see their usual doctor.
Labour MP Dave Robertson said:
“When I speak to people on the doorstep, the number one thing that comes up is how difficult it is to get a GP appointment. This can have a huge effect on people’s care and their mental health.
“That’s why this deal is so important, it will make it easier for people to see their regular doctor. Slashing red tape and cutting box ticking targets will free up GPs to do their jobs.
“There’s much more to do, but I’m delighted to see the Government has a plan for the return of the family doctor and the end of the 8am scramble for appointments.”
The new agreement for the 2025-26 financial year will see the total value of the contract grow by 7.2%.
So, we will be going back to a booking system we used to have. I’m not sure how this extra money will help, welcome as more funding always is, as a main factor in the crisis seems to be a shortage of GPs, exacerbated by the number of GPs working part-time. Perhaps we can have further explanation on how exactly this new money will be spent. I have long thought that the NHS needs far more funding, but also better management. At the start of the NHS, Aneurin Bevin bribed GPs to accept National Health patients by allowing them to carry on running their practices as businesses, complete with partners. Perhaps it is time to revisit this situation.
Just like all the hot air from Labour about improved Dentist availability. If you don’t have more doctors or dentists nothing will change
The shortage of GP’s is getting worse not better. With 12 hour shifts inc paperwork, most are part time doing max 4 days per week. There are more attractive life stle & life balance options for graduates coming out of medical school than GP, no matter how much money is offered.
Hurrah! Does that mean I will be able to see a GP within a reduced Timeframe. My next appointment is in 17 days time. I have not seen the My registered Doctor for nearly 2 years.
Not really sure he is still in Practice or just a figurehead???
The GP’s are fine, it’s finding a way past the soulless vicious vipers at the door.
The ‘vipers’ are human beings, who do an incredible difficult job whilst having to deal with lots of complexity and human emotions, including some regrettable agression and abuse, (which really should not find its way in this comment section imho)