General Practice In england
This briefing paper provides general background for Members and their staff on NHS primary medical services provided by general practitioners (GPs) in England.
This briefing paper provides general background for Members and their staff on NHS primary medical services provided by general practitioners (GPs) in England. It gives an overview of commissioning arrangements as well as information on changes to GP contracts and funding arrangements.
As well as providing an account of the different contracting routes for core and enhanced services this briefing provides information on the financial pressures and increases in demand facing GP practices as well as data on GP numbers, expenditure and earnings.
It includes sections on specific elements of the 2014/15 GP contract including the introduction of named GPs for over 75s and increased choice of GP practice, and changes to the 2015/16 GP contract which included extending the requirement for a named GP to all patients. The note also includes information on extended opening hours, out-of-hours services, waiting times for appointments and the 2015 Conservative Government commitment to provide 7 day access to GPs. It also provides information on general practice performance data and links to further information.
