Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
▸
Context
The number of GPs has increased, but some constituents still struggle with phone line accessibility and online-only services.
I am proud to see this Government’s improvements to GP services making a real difference locally, with over 2,000 more GPs hired and new investment already reaching practices like Jenner House surgery in Farnborough. However, many of my older and more vulnerable constituents tell me they are still struggling to get through on GP phone lines, especially as more practices move online. What steps is the Secretary of State taking to ensure that phone lines remain accessible for those who rely on them, so that everyone benefits from our NHS health plan?
Not only have we recruited an extra 2,500 GPs; crucially, more patients are receiving continuity of care, backed by an additional £1.1 billion. Practices must offer patients the option to telephone or visit in person in addition to online access.
▸
Assessment & feedback
The specific measures and timeline for ensuring accessibility via phone lines were not detailed.
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
▸
Context
Despite an increase in the number of qualified GPs, some constituents still struggle with accessing GP services and securing timely appointments.
The number of qualified GPs in Buckinghamshire has risen by 8% in the last year thanks to this Government’s determination to recruit and retain more GPs. It is a great start, but I still hear from too many people in Aylesbury who cannot get through to their GP surgery or cannot get a quick enough appointment when they do. My constituent Jane, whose husband had suffered a stroke, was advised that he needed a GP appointment the next day, but it took a month to get one. Can he set out his next steps?
We are recruiting more GPs, investing £102 million to create additional space for appointments in 21 GP practices across the integrated care board system. We want everyone who needs a same-day appointment to be able to book one.
▸
Assessment & feedback
The specific measures and timeline for reducing wait times were not detailed.
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
▸
Context
There are opportunities for extended GP premises, but challenges related to construction costs and rates offered by the NHS district valuer.
There are a number of exciting opportunities for extended GP premises in my constituency—in places like Martins Oak in Battle, Little Common and Old Town, and Oldwood in Robertsbridge. One major challenge is the rates that the NHS district valuer is willing to offer for construction sites; they have just not kept up with the inflation we have seen across all sectors of construction. I did have a meeting with the Minister for Care and it was helpful to start those discussions, but we have not made the progress that we need to. Can we have a further meeting, and will the Secretary of State outline what he will do to ensure that district valuers are offering rates that can allow construction to go ahead?
We are looking into the issues raised by the hon. Gentleman. We want to ensure that we can modernise the estate as effectively and quickly as possible. When there is progress to report, I have no doubt that the Minister for Care will be in touch.
▸
Assessment & feedback
No specific action or timeline was provided regarding district valuer rates.
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
▸
Context
A health survey found that 40% of those living in the most deprived parts of the constituency struggled to access GPs.
Over the summer, my team and I conducted a health survey across my constituency, and 40% of those living in the most deprived and most urban parts of my patch—Heaviley, Little Moor and Great Moor—were struggling to access GPs. What more can the Secretary of State do to ensure that urban and deprived communities get their fair share of GP access?
We are reforming the Carr-Hill formula so that deprivation is the driver of funding and prioritisation, which will help us to improve services for everyone and tackle the gross health inequalities that blight our society.
▸
Assessment & feedback
No specific measures or timeline were detailed for immediate action in urban and deprived areas.
Response accuracy