GPs strike deal to help end '8am scramble' for appointments

Patients will be able to book more appointments online and request to see their usual doctor under a new contract agreed with England's GPs, the government has said.

The deal gives an extra £889m a year to general practices, as well as a reduction in red tape and targets that ministers hope will mean doctors are freed up to see more patients.

The Labour government made manifesto promises to bring back "family" doctors and end the early morning phone "scramble" for appointments.

The doctors' union, the BMA, says the deal is an important first step in restoring general practices.

However, doctors also want the government to commit to talks about a completely new national contract for GPs within this Parliament.

GP surgeries are seen as the front door to the NHS, but for years now, doctors have been warning about the pressure their service is under.

Patients have felt it too, with some people facing long waits for appointments.

Now it is hoped extra money agreed in the new contract for GP surgeries will kick-start improvements.

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Source: BBC News, 28 February 2025