GPs to offer same-day care for urgent problems under new NHS contract

A new NHS contract requires GPs in England to offer same-day appointments for urgent health needs from April, supported by new and ring-fenced funding; doctors' groups have warned this may stretch capacity while a survey found many people delayed contacting their GP last year.

The government has introduced a new GP contract that requires practices to offer same-day appointments for patients with urgent needs, taking effect from April. The package is backed by a reported £485 million of new funding and a further £300 million of existing money earmarked to help recruit or extend GP hours. A recent survey cited in the report found that almost half of people delayed or avoided contacting their GP about a health concern in the past year. Representatives of doctors have expressed concern that expectations for unlimited same-day urgent care may not match available capacity. Key points: - The contract requires same-day GP appointments for urgent cases from April, according to the announcement. - The package includes about £485 million of new funding plus £300 million of existing money to support recruitment and hours. - A survey reported that 48% of people delayed or avoided contacting their GP in the past year. - Professional bodies including the BMA and the Royal College of GPs warned that demand and current staffing levels risk making the requirement difficult to meet. Summary: The requirement takes effect from April and is presented by ministers as a way to improve access to primary care, supported by targeted funding. Medical representative bodies say capacity concerns remain and may affect how quickly practices can meet the new standard; implementation by practices is scheduled to begin in April.