The rise of GP telephone consultations has proved hugely popular among patients, according to a study published today. By September last year just 10% of patient requests for appointments specified that it should be face to face, according to a study by the Health Foundation. This compared with 30% of requests before the pandemic. In…

GP leaders are hoping to gain political support for investment in primary care after a hearing in front of MPs in which they told how growing pressures are leading to increasing abuse of staff. Doctors rebutted allegations that they have reduced face to face appointments and spoke about the pressures on practice time during the…

The government must delay plans for unlimited patient access to GP records amid safeguarding concerns, senior GPs have said. The Government in England has ordered that patients have full access to their records by next month. But now the Royal College of GPs has called for an eight week delay, so it can update its…

Practices must be enabled to switch their focus to prevention of disease, Health Secretary Sajid Javid has said. In a wide-ranging speech, setting out his proposals for the NHS, Mr Javid acknowledged that primary care is currently “far too stretched.” Personalised care that empowers patients and uses “technological leaps” is another key to radical reform…

The growing numbers of consultations in general practice are “unsustainable” in Wales, a senior doctor has warned. It is leading to burnout and GPs taking early retirement and changing career, the Welsh conference of local medical committees has been told. Speaking to the conference, Dr Phil White, chair of the British Medical Associations’ Welsh GP…

GPs working as independent contractors should be phased out of the NHS over ten years, according to a report by an influential think-tank published today. The Policy Exchange report was endorsed by Health Secretary Sajid Javid who said it offered “credible ideas.” The researchers said their ideas would help improve recruitment – as data yesterday…

GP leaders reacted in anger last night after being served notice of GP contract changes, which they said they had not agreed. The latest rift with NHS England increases the risk of GPs triggering protest action, which they are thought to have supported in a vote last year. The latest changes will require some practices…