Labour is pledging to recruit and train more GPs. The announcement comes after 68% of patients in Hastings were denied appointments with their preferred GP.
Labour is pledging to train 15,000 doctors a year so patients can see the doctor they want, in the manner they choose, as new figures reveal just 22% of patients in Hastings regularly see their preferred GP, making it one of the worst places in the country for patients to see a GP who knows their medical history.
1851 patients in Hastings wait more than a month to see a GP, and just half (51.6%) get a face-to-face appointment. As many as 68% are unable to see the doctor of their choice.
Helena Dollimore, Labour Parliamentary Candidate for Hastings and Rye, said:
“It’s much better for patients to see the GP who knows their medical history, face-to-face if they wish. But many people tell me they are finding it impossible to get an appointment at all, let alone with the doctor they want, or in person."
"The data we have uncovered shows how bad the situation is. It’s no surprise given the Conservatives have cut 2,000 GPs since 2015." 1.
“Labour will double medical school places to train 7,500 extra doctors and 10,000 more nurses a year, paid for by abolishing the non-dom tax status, so patients are seen on time again. We will bring back the family doctor and give patients in Hastings and Rye choice and control over their care.” 2.
A review published by the NHS last year found that seeing the same doctor for each appointment is better for patients and helps doctors spot serious illnesses earlier. This is why Labour is pledging to:
Double medical school places to train 7,500 more doctors a year, paid for by abolishing the non-dom tax status
Bring back the family doctor so patients can see the same GP each appointment.
Guarantee patients face-to-face appointments if they want the
(3) Before the pandemic, 84% of GP appointments were held face-to-face across the country, but just 2/3 of appointments across England were face-to-face in February. 40% of patients say they were only offered a telephone consultation when they last tried to book a face-to-face GP appointment. 1.
Notes:
1. Almost 40% of patients say they were only offered a telephone consultation when they last tried to book a face-to-face GP appointment.
2. Analysis of NHS data on face-to-face appointments, continuity of care, and waiting times for GP appointments is attached. Data is available below:
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