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11/11/2005
Calls for GP surgeries to open longer
GP surgeries could be requested to open in the evenings and weekends, under new plans announced by the government.
The plans, announced as part of the government’s forthcoming reforms of community-based health issues, are aimed at providing patients with better access to GPs.
Announcing the plans, Health Secretary Patricia Hewitt, said: “What we are hearing loud and clear is that although people are very happy with the service they receive from their GP, they are less happy with access and convenience.”
“Banks and supermarkets are open 24/7. But patients are telling us with the health service, you either see your GP or, out of hours, go to A&E. We need to make sure that GP surgeries become more accessible."
The plans also include other possible reforms, such as allowing people to register with two GPs – one near the patient’s home and the other near their workplace – and the introduction of yearly ‘health MOTs’.
However, Ms Hewitt said that the plans would not necessarily mean that GPs would have to work longer hours. The proposals included the possibility of nurses staffing practices when the doctors were not there.
The Conservatives accused the government of sending out “mixed messages” on the issue. Shadow Health Secretary Andrew Lansley said that last year the government had agreed a contract that took responsibility for out of-hours services away from GPs. He said: "Now the government is telling GPs to be more flexible and work later. The government is sending out mixed messages and GPs must be wondering what on earth is going on."
The Liberal Democrats also said that the plans were short on details. The party’s health spokesperson Steve Webb said: “Patricia Hewitt is promising the world and raising expectations without explaining how these promises will be turned into reality.
“Where are they going to magic the extra doctors from to fill these appointments? The real danger is that the quality of care will be compromised. The last thing that patients want is to have even shorter GP appointments.”
(KMcA/GB)
The plans, announced as part of the government’s forthcoming reforms of community-based health issues, are aimed at providing patients with better access to GPs.
Announcing the plans, Health Secretary Patricia Hewitt, said: “What we are hearing loud and clear is that although people are very happy with the service they receive from their GP, they are less happy with access and convenience.”
“Banks and supermarkets are open 24/7. But patients are telling us with the health service, you either see your GP or, out of hours, go to A&E. We need to make sure that GP surgeries become more accessible."
The plans also include other possible reforms, such as allowing people to register with two GPs – one near the patient’s home and the other near their workplace – and the introduction of yearly ‘health MOTs’.
However, Ms Hewitt said that the plans would not necessarily mean that GPs would have to work longer hours. The proposals included the possibility of nurses staffing practices when the doctors were not there.
The Conservatives accused the government of sending out “mixed messages” on the issue. Shadow Health Secretary Andrew Lansley said that last year the government had agreed a contract that took responsibility for out of-hours services away from GPs. He said: "Now the government is telling GPs to be more flexible and work later. The government is sending out mixed messages and GPs must be wondering what on earth is going on."
The Liberal Democrats also said that the plans were short on details. The party’s health spokesperson Steve Webb said: “Patricia Hewitt is promising the world and raising expectations without explaining how these promises will be turned into reality.
“Where are they going to magic the extra doctors from to fill these appointments? The real danger is that the quality of care will be compromised. The last thing that patients want is to have even shorter GP appointments.”
(KMcA/GB)
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