Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask His Majesty's Government what recent steps they have taken to improve patient access to face-to-face GP appointments.

We are committed to improving the capacity within general practice and improving access to face-to face appointments. We have pledged to guarantee a face-to-face appointment for all those who want one and bring back the family doctor for those who would benefit from seeing the same clinician regularly.

In October 2024, we provided an £82 million boost to the Additional Roles Reimbursement Scheme, enabling the recruitment of 1,000 newly qualified general practitioners (GPs) across England, increasing the number of appointments delivered in general practice, benefitting thousands of patients that are struggling to receive the care they desperately need. Additionally, we have announced a proposed £889 million uplift to the GP contract for 2025/26, with a rising share of total National Health Service resources going to general practice. We are currently consulting the profession on key proposals to improve access to general practice, continuity of care and GP recruitment.