REDDITCH MP Chris Bloore has welcomed an agreement between the government and GPs which he says will ensure the return of the family doctor and helping to end the 8am scramble for appointments.
The government has said the new deal would modernise general practices by slashing red tape and cutting unnecessary box-ticking targets to free up GPs’ time and allow patients to request appointments online throughout working hours.
This agreement marks the first deal with the British Medical Association (BMA) on the GP contract in four years.
Mr Bloore said: “When I speak to residents, I hear time and again how difficult it is to get a GP appointment and how frustrating it is not to be able to see the same doctor each time.
“Fixing the front door of the NHS has been one of my top priorities since being elected as the town’s MP.
“That’s why I’m delighted the government has delivered on its promise by striking a new deal with GPs that will allow them to spend less time on paperwork and more time treating patients.”
Health and Social Care Secretary, Wes Streeting, added: “Rebuilding the broken NHS starts with GPs.
“Patients need to be able to easily book an appointment, in the way they want, with their regular doctor if they choose.
“We have taken the first step to fixing the front door to the NHS, bringing back the family doctor, and ending the 8am scramble.
“This government is cutting the red tape that ties up GPs’ time and backing them with an extra £889million next year.
“In return, more patients will be able to request appointments online and see their regular doctor for each appointment.
“Through the Prime Minister’s Plan for Change, we will work with GPs to rebuild the NHS and make it fit for the future.”
