GPs Time with Patients 2025-05-06

2025-05-06

TAGS
Response quality

Questions & Answers

Q1 Partial Answer
Alex Ballinger Lab
Halesowen
Context
The MP's constituents are facing difficulties in obtaining same-day GP appointments despite calling early in the morning. This has led to frustration among local residents.
My constituents in Halesowen have written to me time and again complaining that they are calling their GP surgeries at 8 am, as instructed, but are still unable to get a same-day appointment. Can the Minister set out how the £100 million investment in GP surgeries, consulting rooms and other facilities will finally put an end to the frustrating 8 am scramble?
I absolutely share the frustrations of my hon. Friend and his constituents. The investment made today was in response to GPs telling us that they needed more space; the investment will lead to more capacity and better access and outcomes for his constituents. Today’s announcement was only possible thanks to the decisions made in the October Budget, which were opposed by every party opposite. The choice is clear: investment in our NHS with Labour, or cuts with the Tories and Reform.
Assessment & feedback
Specific details on how the £100 million will alleviate same-day appointment issues were not provided.
Response accuracy
Q2 Partial Answer
Rebecca Smith Con
South West Devon
Context
The MP raises an innovative digital solution proposed by Dr Toby Nelson, a consultant dermatologist, to address the heavy demand on primary care for skin health screening.
My constituent Dr Toby Nelson, an NHS consultant dermatologist, has started a business that seeks to address the heavy demand on primary care for skin health screening. His business Map My Mole sends an image capture kit to patients to attach to their smartphones. The patients then send a high-resolution image remotely to be reviewed by a specialist consultant, bypassing the need for a GP appointment and freeing up time and resources for both doctor and patient. It has already resulted in a significant drop in skin cancer referrals in pilot GP surgeries. Will the Minister agree to meet Dr Nelson and me to discuss this revolutionary proposal?
The hon. Lady raises what sounds like an extremely interesting scheme. She will know that we have a strong commitment in our 10-year plan to shift from hospital to community, and indeed from analogue to digital. The digital aspects of that scheme sound very interesting, so I would be more than happy to take further representations from her.
Assessment & feedback
Specific details on meeting Dr Nelson were not committed to explicitly.
Response accuracy