Practices in England delivered significantly more appointments last month than in the summer before the pandemic, according to new data.

Some 26 million appointments took place in July – representing almost one appointment for every two people in England. The number was 5.5% greater than in July 2019 and the Royal College of GPs said it was “remarkable”. Some 44% of appointments were same day and two thirds were in person.

Royal College of GPs chair Professor Martin Marshall said: “This is testament to the hard work and dedication of GP teams, working in the face of intense workload and workforce challenges, to deliver timely, appropriate care for their patients. The figures speak to the resilience of most general practice teams who despite delivering care for an increasing number of patients, with health needs that are becoming more complex, alongside falling numbers of fully qualified, full time GPs, are finding ways to continue operating and do their best for patients.But this is unsustainable. General practice is struggling and needs support.”

Ruth Rankine, director of primary care for the NHS Confederation, said: “At 26 million, the total number of appointments was 5.5 per cent higher in July than it was in the same month in 2019 during pre-pandemic levels, with almost two thirds of all appointments delivered face-to-face. This is in the context of fewer practices and GPs but more patients registered month on month. It is therefore vital that the Government starts to defend our primary care services and support them to continue to do their best in the face of the challenges ahead. This includes fully resourcing its workforce and providing the capital investment it desperately needs.”