Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Andrew Rosindell and Nadine Dorries

Tuesday 29th October 2019 Commons Chamber

[Andrew Rosindell (Romford) (Con)]

13. What progress his Department has made on providing NHS services seven days a week.

[The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Health and Social Care (Ms Nadine Dorries)]

Everyone now has easier and more convenient access to GP services, including appointments in the evenings and at weekends. There are also substantial improvement programmes in place related to seven-day hospital services set out in the NHS long-term plan, including hospitals with major A&E departments providing same-day emergency care services 12 hours a day, seven days a week, by the end of 2019-20.

[Andrew Rosindell]

I thank the Minister for her reply, but I am increasingly concerned that my constituents in Romford often have to wait three weeks or even longer for routine appointments with their GPs. What action are the Government taking to ensure that such long waiting times are reduced and preferably eliminated altogether?

[Ms Dorries]

I thank my hon. Friend for that question. Just over 40% of all booked appointments take place on the same day with GPs. However, it is important to recognise that many patients will be appropriately booking ahead as part of the ongoing plan for long-term conditions. The new GP contract will see billions of pounds in extra investment for improved access to GPs, expanded services at local practices and longer appointments for patients who need them. NHS England is working with stakeholders and is undertaking a national review of access to general practice services.