GP teams delivered more than 30 million appointments for patients
last month (April 2024), up by almost a quarter on the same
period before the pandemic.
NHS data published today shows there were around 30.5 million
appointments delivered by GPs and their teams in just one month,
compared with 24.5 million in April 2019 – an increase of six
million (24.5%).
On average, thanks to the hard work of GPs and their staff, the
NHS is now offering more than 1.4 million GP practice
appointments every working day.
NHS staff continue to exceed ambitions to provide 50 million more
appointments by March 2024 with the figures showing that GPs and
their teams have delivered an extra 62.8 million appointments
(370.1 million excluding Covid vaccinations) or 69.2 million
(376.5 million including Covid vaccinations) over the last year
compared to 2018/19.
Almost every (98%) GP practice in England has now upgraded their
phone tech thanks to the ambitious blueprint with the move
meaning that phone lines can be expanded and won't ever be
engaged.
The remaining practices are agreeing dates within the next month
for upgrades to happen with tech suppliers.
Every GP practice must offer face to face appointments as well as
telephone and online consultations, with some patients choosing
remote appointments where it is clinically appropriate and more
convenient for them. Today's data shows almost two-thirds of
appointments took place face-to-face (65.4%) in April.
Dr Amanda Doyle, national director for primary care, NHS England
said:
Thanks to GPs and their hardworking teams, millions more
appointments are being delivered every month compared to before
the pandemic with plans in place to improve access even further.
“Every GP practice is upgrading their telephone systems to make
it easier for patients to contact their surgery, while patients
can use the NHS app to order repeat prescriptions and view their
test results without needing to contact their family doctor.
“We know there is more to do to make it easier for patients to
access GP services and that's why, building on the successes so
far of the primary care access recovery plan, we continue to
expand pharmacy services and offer patients more choice in how
they access care. “
