Primary Care Patient Access 2024-11-19
2024-11-19
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP notes ongoing concerns about patient access to primary care services in the NHS, following a decade of Conservative mismanagement.
What assessment has been made by his Department regarding the adequacy of patient access to primary care services?
The Government recognises pressures in general practice but has invested £82 million into the ARRS to recruit 1,000 more newly qualified GPs this year. This will take pressure off general practice.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific assessment of adequacy and impact on reduced GP numbers was not provided
Focus On Recruitment
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP highlights a local initiative in Makerfield focused on prevention and delivered through neighbourhood health centres, needing government support.
In Makerfield, the council and NHS trust are pioneering a health system focused on prevention through neighbourhood health centres. What is being done to improve access to primary care, especially data-driven preventive care?
The Government is trialling neighbourhood health centres across the country to bring together a range of services. The Secretary would like to meet to hear more about what works well and needs improvement.
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Assessment & feedback
No specific steps announced for supporting such initiatives in other areas
Future Meeting
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP raises concerns about the impact of reduced access to primary care on A&E departments, citing an example from Harlow.
Does he agree that access to primary care is important for supporting accident and emergency departments? Also, what plans are there to support dental surgeries like the one in Harlow?
The Government recognises the issue of tooth decay among young children and has met with the British Dental Association to consider reforms for retaining dentists and rebuilding NHS dental services.
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Assessment & feedback
No specific plans announced for addressing issues related to tooth decay and dentist shortages
Meetings Held
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP highlights the increasing burnout among GPs and the high number of patients per fully qualified GP in his local area.
What steps are being taken to make the situation more sustainable for GPs while improving access to primary care?
The Government has invested an additional £82 million into the ARRS to recruit 1,000 more newly qualified GPs this year and further budget allocations will be announced soon.
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Assessment & feedback
No specific commitments or measures for sustainability mentioned
Investment In Arrs
Response accuracy
Q5
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP visited Summertown health centre, where staff highlighted the issue of slow delivery of promised capital investment in primary care.
What will be done to ensure integrated care boards deliver the £100 million allocated for capital investment in primary care quickly?
ICBs are leading the development of a new neighbourhood health service, and responsibilities for performance management have been removed to focus on primary and community services. Further talks will be held with BMA and RCGP.
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Assessment & feedback
No steps announced for expedited delivery process
Talks Planned
Response accuracy
Q6
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP raises concerns about the need for GP surgeries in Goff's Oak, an area of rapid development.
What steps are being taken to ensure that GP surgeries are provided before hundreds of new homes are built?
The Government is focused on delivering both new homes and GP surgeries, but criticises the previous Conservative government for not delivering either.
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Assessment & feedback
No measures or plans announced to align GP provision with housing developments
Criticism Of Previous Government
Response accuracy
Q7
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP points out that there has been a significant reduction in district nurses over the last decade, affecting primary and community NHS services.
What can be done to replace essential roles like district nursing at a primary care level?
The Government has seen examples of hospital at home delivered by community nursing teams, aiming to provide more care closer to homes. Further action is planned.
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Assessment & feedback
No concrete steps or plans for replacing district nurses announced
Examples Shown
Response accuracy
Q8
Partial Answer
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Context
The Royal College of General Practitioners warned that the national insurance tax hike will cost 2.2 million appointments, affecting GPs, hospices, and care homes.
I am concerned about the Royal College of General Practitioners warning that the national insurance tax increase is expected to cost 2.2 million appointments. Health providers are not exempt from these increases and will have to plan cutbacks before learning if any mitigation measures will be put in place by April. How does taxing GPs contribute to increasing GP access?
We will set out allocations long before April next year for health and care providers. When deciding allocations, we consider the pressures on different parts of the system. The shadow Minister talks about choices; Conservative Members welcome the £26 billion investment but oppose raising it through the means provided. They need to be clear: support the investment or say they would cut it.
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Assessment & feedback
The Secretary of State did not address how taxing GPs will increase GP access.
Response accuracy
Q9
Partial Answer
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Context
A GP described the situation as “Schrödinger's primary care,” indicating confusion over whether GPs are seen as private contractors or public entities, impacting their tax status.
One GP has stated that primary care finds itself in a 'Schrödinger's state' because they are considered private contractors for national insurance purposes but exempt from small business relief. Did the Department of Health knowingly go along with the Treasury's plan to tax primary care without providing mitigation, leading to cuts? Or did it not understand or spot the complexity involved?
Conservative Members welcome the £26 billion investment in the NHS but oppose raising it through national insurance increases. They need to be honest: support the means to raise funds or say they would cut NHS funding.
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Assessment & feedback
The Secretary of State did not address whether the Department of Health understood the tax complexities for primary care.
Conservative Members Welcome The £26 Billion Investment In The Nhs But Oppose Raising It Through National Insurance Increases.
Response accuracy