GPs told to guarantee same-day appointments for urgent cases

GPs in England will have to guarantee same-day appointments for any patient with urgent health needs, under a new clause being added to their contract.

The government said the changes would ensure everyone who needs to be seen quickly would be.

Spending on GP services will increase by nearly £500 million - a 3.6% boost in cash terms - to help pay for the commitment, which the government said will be used to help recruit more doctors.

But the British Medical Association said the government was at risk of creating unrealistic expectations given how stretched GP services already were.

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Source: BBC News, 24 February 2026.