Primary Care Patient Access 2023-12-05
2023-12-05
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP notes that the number of GP practices in Bedford and Kempston has decreased from 18 to 11 since 2014, with fewer doctors serving more patients.
I am concerned about the decrease in GP practices and the increase in patient-to-GP ratios. Since 2014, the number of GP practices in Bedford and Kempston has decreased from 18 to 11; there are fewer doctors while the patient list has increased; and the number of patients per qualified GP now stands at 2,812, which is a rise of 60%. Will the Minister apologise to GPs and my constituents for decimated NHS primary care services?
The hon. Gentleman will appreciate that 50 million more appointments between 2019 and now is a fantastic increase. There are just under 4,000 new GPs since 2019, and the hon. Gentleman will appreciate that through the post-covid recovery plan to improve access we have said to GP practices that they should provide urgent appointments on the same day and for every patient within two weeks.
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Assessment & feedback
Apologising to GPs and constituents for decimated NHS primary care services
50 Million More Appointments Between 2019 And Now Is A Fantastic Increase
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP inquires about the closure of GP practices and seeks support from the Minister.
I thank the Minister for her answer, but let me correct her. Since 2014, the number of GP practices in Bedford and Kempston has decreased from 18 to 11; there are fewer doctors while the patient list has increased; and the number of patients per qualified GP now stands at 2,812, which is a rise of 60%. Will the Minister apologise to GPs and my constituents for decimated NHS primary care services?
The hon. Gentleman will appreciate that 50 million more appointments between 2019 and now is a fantastic increase. There are just under 4,000 new GPs since 2019, and the hon. Gentleman will appreciate that through the post-covid recovery plan to improve access we have said to GP practices that they should provide urgent appointments on the same day and for every patient within two weeks.
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Assessment & feedback
Apologising to GPs and constituents for decimated NHS primary care services
50 Million More Appointments Between 2019 And Now Is A Fantastic Increase
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP seeks help from the Minister to address the proposed closure of a GP practice.
I am incredibly grateful for the significant increase in the number of GP appointments offered to residents in my constituency. However, last week Aspire announced that it wishes to close the Lower Stoke surgery on the Hoo peninsula, where the council proposes to build thousands of homes. Will my right hon. Friend meet me to discuss how I can work further with the integrated care board?
I am of course always delighted to meet my hon. Friend to talk about issues in her constituency. I reiterate that 50 million more GP appointments is brilliant news. Our flagship Pharmacy First programme will mean that more low-level infections and problems can be treated by community pharmacists at great convenience to patients, and it will expand GPs' ability to deal with more complex problems.
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Assessment & feedback
Meeting the MP to discuss working further with the integrated care board
50 Million More Gp Appointments Is Brilliant News
Response accuracy
Q4
Direct Answer
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Context
The MP inquires about funding for the investigation and removal of RAAC in health facilities.
A primary care walk-in facility at Warren Farm in my constituency faces closure due to the presence of reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete. The proposal to close the service will mean that services are relocated away from residents who need them. What is the Minister doing to fund the investigation and removal of RAAC in health facilities while making sure that communities can still access the healthcare they need?
I am incredibly sympathetic to the hon. Lady's constituents. The issue of RAAC is one that the Government are determined to resolve. There has been a £698 million programme of new funding to eradicate RAAC from the healthcare system, and that work is under way.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q5
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP highlights the issue of missed GP appointments and seeks steps to address it.
A recent report highlighted that there were 15,000 missed GP appointments in Cornwall. That is happening month after month. Does the Minister agree that this is completely unacceptable, and can she highlight what steps the Government will take to address the issue?
My hon. Friend is right; it is appalling that people book an appointment and then do not show up. In many GP surgeries now they post the numbers of patients who do not turn up for their appointments and urge people to make the effort to cancel.
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Assessment & feedback
Addressing the issue of missed GP appointments in Cornwall
My Hon. Friend Is Right; It Is Appalling That People Book An Appointment And Then Do Not Show Up
Response accuracy