New data shows a record number of GP appointments this year are seeing waits of four weeks or more. Analysis of NHS data by the Liberal Democrats reveals that in the seven months to July, there were 10.3 million cases of patients waiting four weeks or longer for an appointment. This figure is 1.7 million higher than the same period last year, which saw 8.6 million four-week waits. If this trend continues, it will exceed last year’s record of 17.6 million.
Some areas are faring particularly badly, with nearly one in ten GP appointments involving waits of four weeks or more. Gloucestershire has the highest proportion, with 10.1% of appointments facing long waits, followed by Derby, Derbyshire and Glossop, Dorset, and Chorley and South Ribble—all with rates above 9%, almost double the national average of 5%.
In response, the Liberal Democrats are calling on the government to increase funding for the NHS, including GP services, during the autumn budget announcement. However, Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer has indicated that additional funding will not be provided without NHS reforms, outlining a ten-year plan to address issues in the health service. Lib Dem leader Sir Ed Davey disagrees with this approach, asserting that the NHS requires immediate investment alongside reform.
The Liberal Democrats also propose giving patients a legal right to a GP appointment within a week, or within 24 hours if it’s urgent, which would require an extra 8,000 GPs to fulfil. Sir Ed Davey stressed that everyone should be able to access a GP when needed, accusing the Conservative Party of severely damaging the NHS and leaving millions of people waiting weeks for care. He argued that increasing GP numbers is essential to improving access, which would reduce pressure on hospitals, ultimately benefiting patients and taxpayers alike.
Deputy leader Daisy Cooper is expected to address the NHS situation in an upcoming speech, emphasising that prolonged waiting times limit personal freedom and quality of life. She advocates for decent health services as a fundamental part of a liberal society.
A Department of Health and Social Care spokesman acknowledged that the NHS is broken and that these findings highlight years of neglect of general practice. They announced a commitment to hire an additional 1,000 GPs by the end of the year, alongside an uplift of £311 million in GP contract funding for 2024-25, aiming to ensure GPs can provide the best possible care for patients.
The NHS faces significant challenges with a record number of patients enduring lengthy waits for GP appointments. While the Liberal Democrats push for increased funding and legal guarantees on waiting times, other parties emphasise the need for reform. Addressing these issues is crucial to ensuring a functional healthcare system that meets the needs of the population.
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