‘We’ve heard encouraging words, now we need action’ - RCGP responds to Government consultation on 10-year plan

Professor Kamila Hawthorne, Chair of the Royal College of General Practitioners, has responded to the Government’s launch of the engagement process for its 10-year health plan. Professor Hawthorne said:

"The Darzi report laid bare the challenges facing the NHS – not least in general practice - and the vital role general practice will need to play moving forward to ensure we have a modern, efficient and safe health service that can deliver the care patients need well into the future.

“GPs are innovators and used to adapting the way we work to meet the changing needs of our patients – indeed, many practices are already working in ways that are similar to the ‘neighbourhood health centres’ described by the Health Secretary. What’s important is that any changes to the ways in which general practice works are developed in partnership with GPs and their patients, and with recognition of the intense workload and workforce pressures that GP teams are currently working under. It is also vital that individual practices retain the ability to tailor their services to the needs of their local populations, to ensure resources are used most effectively.

“We’ve heard lots of encouraging words from the new government about shifting resources into general practice, ensuring we have the GP workforce numbers we need, and better integration between primary and secondary care to ensure a more joined-up patient experience of the NHS. We must now start seeing action, and we hope the production of the 10-year plan will be the first stage of this - so the RCGP looks forward to feeding into this consultation.”

Further information

RCGP press office: 0203 188 7659
press@rcgp.org.uk

Notes to editors

The Royal College of General Practitioners is a network of more than 54,000 family doctors working to improve care for patients. We work to encourage and maintain the highest standards of general medical practice and act as the voice of GPs on education, training, research and clinical standards.