News Focus

Government plans to modernise and reform primary care progress as more than 1,000 general practices sign up for digital upgrades.

Patients will be able to contact their general practice more easily and quickly and find out exactly how their request will be handled on the day they call, rather than being told to call back later, as the Government and NHS England deliver on the promises made in the primary care recovery plan announced in May. If their need is urgent, they will be assessed and given appointments on the same day. If it is not urgent, appointments should be offered within 2 weeks, or patients will be referred to NHS 111 or a local pharmacy.

‘GP teams are already treating record numbers of patients, but we are determined to improve access further, which is why it is fantastic that all GP practices will be upgrading their telephone systems to make it as easy as possible for patients to contact their practice,’ said Dr Kiren Collison, GP and Interim Medical Director for Primary Care, NHS England.