According to the government, GPs in England will be required to guarantee same-day appointments for patients with urgent health needs under a new clause in their contract.
The British Medical Association stated that the government may be creating unrealistic expectations given the current strain on GP services. Health Secretary Wes Streeting said the government is working to support practices that struggle to meet the new requirements.
The changes are set to take effect in April, with a 3.6% boost in spending on GP services, nearly £500 million, to help recruit more doctors and achieve the commitment.
Contractual Requirements
From April, it will become a contractual requirement for GPs to monitor and achieve same-day appointments for 90% of urgent cases. The 10% leeway is in place for patients who may not be able to make a same-day appointment or call too late in the day.
Urgent cases are defined as patients whose symptoms suggest they need treatment to start the same day or where there is a risk of deterioration if they aren't assessed.
Government Response
Health Secretary Wes Streeting told the BBC that the government is fixing the front door to the NHS, and many more patients with urgent needs will be able to get an appointment the day they contact their practice.
Reaction from the British Medical Association
Dr. Katie Bramall, the BMA's GPs committee chair, said the government is at risk of creating unrealistic expectations, pointing out that GP services are already stretched, with the number of patients per GP a fifth higher than it was eight years ago.
Patient Watchdog Response
Chris McCann, of the patient watchdog Healthwatch England, said the new contract will be welcome news for people who have struggled to access GP services, and plans to recruit more doctors should make it easier for patients to get appointments and ensure urgent cases are handled more quickly.
