GP Appointments Chesterfield, Derbyshire and England 2023-01-24
2023-01-24
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
There are concerns about the adequacy of GP appointments in Chesterfield, Derbyshire, and England, affecting patient access to healthcare services.
I am concerned about the adequacy of GP appointment availability in (a) Chesterfield constituency, (b) Derbyshire, and (c) England. I want an assessment of whether these areas are adequately served by general practitioners given current demand and health needs.
In November, there were 13.9% more appointments in general practice across England as a whole than in the same month before the pandemic. In Derby and Derbyshire, there were 16.6% more appointments. Our GPs are doing more than ever, and compared with 2015-16, we are investing a fifth more in real terms. But we know that demand is unprecedented, and we are working to further support our hard-working GPs.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific assessment requested on the adequacy of GP appointments was not provided.
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
There are significant disparities in GP appointment availability between deprived and affluent areas, with more patients per doctor in deprived regions.
I thank the Minister for that answer. We know there are GP appointment difficulties everywhere, but it is much harder in deprived communities. The Social Market Foundation research shows GPs in more deprived areas have twice as many patients on their books compared to affluent areas. Why should patients in deprived areas tolerate greater difficulties in getting appointments?
In Derby and Derbyshire, for example, there are 495 more doctors and other patient-facing staff than in 2019. Step one is to have more clinicians, which we are doing through investment. The hon. Member raises a point about Carr-Hill and the funding formula underlying general practice. There is actually heavy weighting for deprivation. Funding is driven by health need, which is also heavily driven by age.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific disparities in GP appointment availability between deprived and affluent communities were not directly addressed with a commitment or plan to improve the situation.
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
In South Derbyshire, there are more full-time equivalent clinical staff in general practice than in 2015. The goal is to ensure patients use the most suitable healthcare professionals.
In south Derbyshire, there are now 133 more full-time equivalent clinical staff in general practice than in 2015. This includes nurses, physios and clinical pharmacists. What more is my hon. Friend doing to encourage people to book an appointment with the most appropriate healthcare professional?
That is an excellent question. As well as having 495 extra staff across Derby and Derbyshire, it is crucial that we use them effectively by having good triage. We are getting NHS England to financially support GPs to move over to better appointment systems for effective phone calls and triage.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific measures to encourage appropriate healthcare appointments were not detailed with a clear commitment or plan.
Response accuracy