Government invites patient voice into GP contract talks
Until now, contract talks were held only with the British Medical Association’s GP Committee. The Health and Social Care Secretary has now widened the process to include organisations that represent patients and primary care. This is to make sure a broader range of views shapes the next stage of GP reform.
Other organisations invited to take part include the Royal College of GPs, the National Association of Primary Care, National Voices, and the NHS Confederation. The consultation will run for six weeks, from 1 December to 23 January.
Why this matters for local people
Access to GP appointments remains one of the main issues people tell Healthwatch about. Nationally, this is especially challenging for people with disabilities, long-term conditions, or lower incomes. Ensuring that patient feedback is part of the contract process is an important step in making services fairer and easier to use.
Healthwatch England’s Head of Policy, Public Affairs and Research, William Pett, said:
“Access to GP services remains the most common concern we hear about. This affects communities across the country, but the greatest impact is felt by disadvantaged groups.
We therefore welcome the opportunity to bring the experiences and concerns of patients into GP contract negotiations. By ensuring the patient voice is heard, the NHS can make services more patient-centred and responsive to real needs.”
