Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Access to GPs

Tuesday 24 January 2023 · 5 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 1 Partly answered 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Ministerial investment in NHS infrastructure is part of a commitment to the NHS estate.
  • The Secretary of State is willing to meet MPs to discuss issues affecting GP access.
  • The Government is considering direct access for women to specialist nurses for certain conditions.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Mohammad Yasin Lab Bedford
NHS
Context

The MP noted a failure to invest in critical infrastructure and bureaucracy holding up funding for modernising GP services.

Question

There is a clear failure to invest in critical infrastructure across the primary care estate, such as in-patient mental health services and GP hubs. Government bureaucracy is holding up capital funding allocations. My constituents deserve better community care and hospitals need relief. When will the Government release the funding to build desperately needed facilities in Bedford and Kempston?

Answer from Steve Barclay

We are making investments across NHS infrastructure. The new hospitals programme is part of this Government's commitment to the NHS estate.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Release funding for specific facilities in Bedford and Kempston

How: Changed Subject

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Q2 Mohammad Yasin Lab Bedford
NHS
Context

The MP mentioned that a GP practice in her constituency is threatened with closure and another is merging, leading to increased patient numbers per partner.

Question

Since January, my constituents have learnt about the threat of closure for one GP practice and another is merging into an already subscribed group. Partners are retiring without replacements. Will the Secretary of State confirm what he is doing to ensure access? Can he meet me to discuss this issue?

Answer from Steve Barclay

We are investing over a fifth more than in 2016. The Integrated Care Board (ICB) was set up operationally last summer and is responsible for commissioning primary care services and assessing constituent needs. I am keen to work with the MP on these issues.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific actions to secure GP access in Gosport; direct meeting request

How: Changed Subject

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Q3 Caroline Dinenage Con Gosport
NHS
Context

The MP stated that demand for GP services exceeds supply, particularly in Hull. She asked if the Secretary of State would look at giving women direct access to specialist nurses and services.

Question

Hull has the second highest ratio of GPs to patients. Despite seeing 46 people daily, demand outstrips supply. Will the Secretary of State consider giving women direct access to specialist nurses for conditions like endometriosis or menopause?

Answer from Steve Barclay

The women's health strategy is designing hubs and roles in primary care. Labour's plan, which diverts £7 billion from primary care property, will not improve service delivery for women.

Not addressed: Considering direct access to specialist nurses

How: Criticising Opposition

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Q4 Emma Hardy Lab Kingston upon Hull West and Haltemprice
NHS
Context

The MP mentioned that primary care capacity will be exceeded by a 17% increase in new patients over the next five years.

Question

Thornton Cleveleys faces a 17% rise in new patients. Cost-effective solutions have been found, but the ICB keeps changing its mind on funding availability. Will the Minister meet me to resolve this impasse and get the ICB to address the issue?

Answer from Steve Barclay

My hon. Friend brings welcome transparency to the issue. The Under-Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, my hon. Friend the Member for Harborough (Neil O'Brien) was listening intently, and is nodding his head about meeting him to discuss it.

Not addressed: Direct meeting with minister to resolve capacity issues

How: Changed Subject

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Q5 Paul Maynard Con
NHS
Context

The MP asked about steps being taken to help improve access to GPs.

Question

What steps are you taking to help improve access to GPs?

Answer from Steve Barclay

We recognise increased demand impacting GP services. We are investing at least £1.5 billion to create 50 million additional GP appointments by 2024.

Answered
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