News
Extra support pledged for GPs this winter
NHS England has today announced it will provide £10 million to GPs to support delivery of additional extended hours, out of hours and unscheduled care sessions over winter. The Winter Indemnity Scheme will be used to cover the costs of professional indemnity for the extra services provided by GPs, giving them the freedom to work extra […]
NHS England launches campaign urging patients to ‘check before you tick’ for free prescriptions
NHS England and the NHS Business Services Authority (NHSBSA) are launching a nationwide campaign today (10 September) to help people understand their eligibility for free prescriptions. The ‘Check Before You Tick’ campaign will encourage patients to check whether they are entitled to free prescriptions before claiming them to help reduce the £256 million cost per […]
Mental health therapists in GP practices could be the norm
Health chiefs have drawn up new guidance to encourage doctors to place mental health therapists in practice surgeries – bringing more mental and physical health services under one roof. These new therapists will be integrated into primary care teams and focus on common mental health disorders such as anxiety and depression, particularly where this occurs […]
8 out of 10 patients are positive about GPs says new national survey
As the NHS treats more patients than ever before, a new nationwide survey shows the vast majority of people are positive about their GP care – with eight out of ten patients rating their overall experience of their GP surgery as good. The survey also found that confidence and trust in GPs and healthcare professionals […]
GP practices across the country to become ‘veteran friendly’
GPs are signing up to become ‘veteran friendly’ under a new national scheme to improve medical care and treatment for former members of the armed services that has been backed by NHS England and the Royal College of GPs. Practices can qualify for veteran friendly status by offering extra support for ex-military personnel who may […]
Top GP will help spread innovations to join up NHS health and social care
A specialist GP has been appointed to help spread NHS innovations which integrate health and social care throughout England. Dr Karen Kirkham, who runs a practice in Dorset and specialises in women’s health, will work with the wider GP community to spread tried and tested innovation and transformation techniques across the country. Dr Kirkham has […]
Help shape modern primary care says NHS England as part of NHS Long Term Plan
GPs, patients and healthcare professionals are being given the chance to have their say on plans by the NHS which will help shape the future of a modern general practice. As it celebrates its 70th birthday, the NHS is looking at ways to reform the GP contract to provide a stronger and more sustainable general […]
NHS England and UK Space Agency launch multi-million pound drive to improve patient care
The UK Space Agency has today announced that it is allocating up to £4 million to find hi-tech solutions to the major health and care challenges facing the NHS in its 70th anniversary year in a joint initiative with NHS England. These challenges, outlined by NHS England’s chief executive Simon Stevens in his speech to […]
NHS England announces new £10 million fund to help retain GPs
NHS England is today announcing a new £10 million fund to support and retain GPs. Some £7 million will be made available through regional-based schemes to help GPs to stay in the workforce, by promoting new ways of working and by offering additional support through a new Local GP Retention Fund. A further £3 million […]
New local health and care partnerships could save lives
Doctors and nurses will be able to reduce unnecessary patient tests and improve safety through better working between hospitals and GPs and social care. New partnerships will be introduced giving health and care staff better and faster access to vital information about the person in their care, so they can determine the right action as […]