No. 10 sets new GP access target

A new target for improving patients’ experience of making GP appointments is among three top NHS priorities identified by the prime minister for this year, HSJ has learned. 

Samantha Jones, permanent secretary at the Department of Health and Social Care, identified the three main objectives for 10 Downing Street for 2026-27 at a recent staff briefing.

Two of them match existing commitments: For 70% of patients to be seen within 18 weeks for elective treatment by March 2027; and to begin delivering the “NHS Online” digital health service in 2027.

However, the third is new: For at least 80% per cent of patients to report being satisfied with their experience of contacting their GP practice by March 2027.

No target was set for this measure in last year’s medium term planning framework, nor in priorities for this year set out by NHS England last month – although it did call for a focus on urgent GP appointments.

The measure comes from a monthly Office for National Statistics survey funded by NHSE. Performance has increased over the past 18 months – as most practices have upgraded phone and web booking systems – but the gains have slowed.

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Source: HSJ, 6 May 2026