The same GP at every appointment for the most needy patients

The government says the most “needy” patients should be able to see the same doctor at every appointment at their local GP surgery.

It says GPs will be rewarded financially if they do so and if they go “above and beyond” to prevent common diseases such as heart disease or treat high blood pressure early.

The measures are among proposed changes to GP contracts in England – with the government saying it would add an extra £889 million to the existing budget.

The doctors’ union, the BMA, which will now consult its members on the proposals, says GP practices are concerned about finances but it could provide “a vital lifeline”.

At the moment, GPs in England are taking collective action and working to overrule.

Under this new contract, the government wants to:

• Reduce the number of targets the GP receives
• Allow greater flexibility for surgeries to employ health care staff
• Ensure the surgery allows patients to be contacted electronically, as well as over the phone or in person during working hours
• Help patients with complex needs and long-term conditions see the same staff at appointments

The previous Conservative government promised to make it easier for patients to contact their named GP and end the 8am rush for appointments.

Bringing back the family doctor and ending the early-morning scramble for appointments were also key manifesto commitments for Labour.

Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting called on GPs to end their collective action, work with the government and “get the NHS back on its feet”.

He said: “General practice is being burdened with bureaucracy, with GPs filling out forms rather than treating patients.

“It’s clear the system is broken, which is why we’re cutting red tape, eliminating outdated performance targets, and instead freeing doctors to do their jobs.

“We promised to bring back the family doctor, but we want to make decisions based on outcomes – not promises. So we will encourage GPs to ensure that as many patients as possible get the same at each appointment. see doctor.”

The BMA’s Dr Katie Bramall-Steiner said GP practices across the country were “frantic with concern” over the impact of a “crippling increase” in National Insurance contributions since April.

He said: “Hopefully today’s news provides a vital lifeline for our more than 6,000 practices, and we look forward to reaching consensus about how to manage the additional business pressures facing practices in the new financial year. Are committed.”

He said he hoped the funding announcement would be “seen as a positive starting point for evolving conversations” and that he looked forward to seeing further details.

The final GP contract will be unveiled in the spring.