General Practitioners
The question
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether he plans to allow GP practices to expand in areas with planned population increases.
Answered by Stephen Kinnock
We understand that there is pressure on primary care estates and service provision in areas of high population growth. The Government is committed to delivering a National Health Service that is fit for the future, and this means better utilising and expanding primary care infrastructure across the NHS estate. That is why we have set out our intention to fix the front door to the NHS and bring healthcare closer to home, and the local community.
At a local level, the relevant integrated care board is responsible for commissioning, planning, securing, and monitoring general practice (GP) services within their health systems, through delegated responsibility from NHS England. The NHS has a statutory duty to ensure there are sufficient medical services, including GPs, in each local area. It should take account of population growth and demographic changes.
At a national level, we continue to work closely with the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government to ensure all new and existing developments have an adequate level of healthcare infrastructure for the community.
Verbatim has judged this answer against the question that was actually asked — answered, partly answered, or evaded. Sign in to see the verdict →