Action to make it easier for patients to contact their GP and end the 8am rush, with £240 million given to practices across England to embrace latest technology.
Primary care is the way most people access the NHS, and the Government are committed to modernising the way patients contact their GP surgeries. 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 - as part of a major multi-million pound overhaul of primary care.
Practices across England will receive £240 million in funding this year to upgrade to the latest technology, replacing old analogue phones with modern systems. This will help see easy-to-use online tools implemented to ensure patients get the care they need as soon as possible.
This will mean that when patients contact their practice online or over the phone they will know on the day they make contact how their query will be managed, rather than being told to call back later. 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.
Commenting, Leo Docherty MP said:
"Through expanding the role pharmacies play in our communities, fewer people will need to see their GP in the first place.
"This measure will make it more convenient for patients, relieve pressure on our hardworking GPs, free up to 15 million appointment spaces, and help to end the all too stressful 08:00 wait on the phone to book an appointment."
Leo pictured with Dr Neman Khan at the Cambridge Practice, Aldershot