GP APPOINTMENTS

Early day motion 2105, tabled 4 May 2006 by Diane Abbott (Labour). Signed by 36 members.

That this House notes with concern that despite an emphasis on practice-based commissioning and increased funding to community doctors rather than hospitals, many people still have limited access, in practice, to their local GP; further notes that this is particularly prevalent where GPs operate a 48-hour in advance only appointment booking system; further notes that many people are finding it difficult to get through to their GP within the fixed booking time slot due to the high concentration of call traffic within any given booking period; and calls on the Department of Health to review this practice and to encourage GPs to have open appointment booking procedures to ensure that all have access to a local NHS GP when needed.

Signatures by party: Labour 24, Liberal Democrat 7, Conservative 2, DUP 2, Social Democratic and Labour Party 1.