Tories pledge £1 billion to increase GP appointments

The Conservative Party has promised to build 100 new GP surgeries to make it ‘quicker, easier and more convenient for patients to receive the care they need,’ if they are re-elected on July 4.

The party said it would build 100 new GP surgeries, modernise 150 more and boost the number of appointments in the community. The cost of implementing this will be funded by cutting the number of NHS managers to pre-pandemic levels and halving management consultancy spend across government.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said: ‘As part of our clear plan we are investing in community services making it quicker, easier and more convenient for patients to receive the care they need and help to relieve pressure on hospital services.’

The Tories also plan to expand the Pharmacy First scheme, which allows people in England to go to their local pharmacy for seven common conditions, rather than their GP. Under the party's new plans, pharmacies would be able to offer contraceptive patches and injections, as well as treatment for more conditions, including acne and chest infections.