Access to Primary Care 2023-03-07
2023-03-07
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Direct Answer
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Context
The question arises from concerns about the number of qualified GPs and long wait times for GP appointments.
What steps are being taken to improve patient access to primary care? The number of qualified GPs has fallen to a record low, impacting local communities. In January, more than 2,000 people in Erdington, Kingstanding, and Castle Vale had to wait over a month for a GP appointment.
Real-terms spending on general practice has increased by more than a fifth since 2015. There are now 2,200 more doctors in primary care and an additional 25,000 primary care clinicians compared to 2019. The number of GPs in training is at its highest ever level, up from 2,600 to 4,000. In January, there were 11% more appointments than before the pandemic.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The question is raised in the context of a decline in the number of qualified GPs and long wait times for appointments.
Under the Tories, the number of qualified GPs has fallen to a record low, impacting local communities. In January, more than 2,000 people in Erdington, Kingstanding, and Castle Vale had to wait over a month for a GP appointment. Will longer waits continue under Tory leadership?
There are 2,200 more doctors and an additional 25,000 primary care clinicians in practice now compared to 2019. In the constituency of the hon. Member, there are 55% more staff working directly with patients than before.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific measures to address GP shortages and waiting times were not detailed
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
The question relates to the use of walk-in centres as part of a broader strategy for primary care access during GP and A&E service pressures.
Does the Minister agree that walk-in centres, such as those in Norwich city centre, are helpful, popular, and necessary?
My right hon. Friend is absolutely right; walk-in centres are a key part of primary care. We are looking at how they can do more, and I pay tribute to all the work they are already doing.
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Assessment & feedback
Concrete measures or specifics about enhancing walk-in centre capabilities were not provided
Response accuracy