As reported by Gov.uk, a new government deal aims to modernise GP access, cut red tape, and restore the role of family doctors
The government and GP representatives have reached a landmark agreement on GP contract reforms, aiming to fix the front door of the NHS, ease pressure on appointments, and restore the role of the family doctor.
Announced on February 27, the deal between the government and the British Medical Association (BMA) marks the first major reform to GP contracts in four years. It is a key step in the government’s Plan for Change, designed to modernise general practice and improve patient access to GPs.
Under the new contract, GP surgeries will be required to allow patients to request appointments online throughout working hours from October, reducing reliance on phone bookings and making it easier for practices to triage patients based on medical need. This change is expected to help end the 8am scramble for appointments, which has long been a frustration for patients.
The agreement will also cut red tape and remove unnecessary box-ticking targets, allowing GPs to focus on treating patients rather than administrative burdens. This shift is intended to improve efficiency and bring back more personalised care, reinforcing the role of the family doctor within communities.
Crucially, the reforms come with the biggest funding boost for General Practice in years, reversing a decade of cuts to GP funding as a share of the NHS budget. This financial injection will support surgeries in implementing the changes and ensuring better services for patients.
With these reforms, the government and healthcare leaders hope to create a more accessible, efficient, and patient-focused GP system, making general practice fit for the future.
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