The next steps setting out how local primary care networks will work with partners across new integrated care systems will soon be unveiled, the chief executive of the NHS has said. Amanda Pritchard has appointed GP Dr Claire Fuller, senior responsible officer of the Surrey Heartlands Integrated Care System, to demonstrate how services should develop…

Most practice staff will need to be vaccinated against COVID by next spring, under new rules announced by the government. GP leaders reacted in dismay as the government said it intends to press ahead with compulsory COVID vaccination for all health and care workers. The Royal College of GPs said it remains opposed to the…

Practices in Scotland have contact with a tenth of the country’s population weekly, according to a new survey highlighting the pressures on services. More than 40% of practices responded to a British Medical Association survey, which found that 28% are short of at least one GP. Some 42% said demand ‘substantially’ exceeds their capacity –…

The period from March 2020 until now has been a time of incredible challenge for general practice. And still the challenges go on. Can you believe that over 7.2 million appointments were delivered by general practice in England in the week commencing 29th September 2021? This represents an average of two appointments per 17 people…

Health secretary Sajid Javid has blamed practices for pressures on emergency care in a parliamentary appearance that caused fresh alarm to professional leaders. Speaking to MPs on the parliamentary health committee, Mr Javid also backtracked on government promises to recruit 6,000 extra GPs, saying “I’m not going to pretend we’re on track when we are…

GP leaders have given new details of their proposed industrial action after the collapse of a deal on the government’s “name and shame” plans. The British Medical Association set out four areas of action which doctors will take if they vote to support the protest in a ballot. It said the actions would mainly have…

Practices have delivered a record number of appointments, according to data published yesterday amid the simmering row over the switch to phone appointments. British Medical Association sources announced a deal to scrap the controversial “name and shame” league tables, promoted by the government. But this was later denied by health secretary Sajid Javid. According to…