Plan that GPS keeps millions of patients away from the hospital

A program with which GPS is expanded in the provision of care and advice for patients without being joined to Long NHS Hospital.

GPS will work more closely with specialists to quickly advise patients with diseases such as irritable bowel syndrome, symptoms of menopause and ear infections.

With 80 million GBP in financing, it supports two million people to receive faster and more convenient care in their local community by the end of 2025/26.

Health Minister Karin Smyth said the program would “save time and stop the masses of people who have to go to the hospital for unnecessary appointments”.

The expanded program is part of the government’s plan to lower long NHS maintenance lists and create additional appointments for patients.

It has promised that 92% of the NHS patients will be waiting for treatment for less than 18 weeks after the transfer to a consultant until the end of this parliament.

Between July and December 2024, the program has redirected 660,000 treatments from hospitals to the community, according to the government.

The system is referred to as “advice and guidance” and combines GPS and hospital specialists before the patients are transferred to waiting lists so that tests and treatments can be offered in the cheapest place.

For example, patients with tinnitus and the need for earwax removal are often transferred to specialists if they could be helped outside the hospitals. And women who need advice on HRT could be treated in local hubs instead of waiting for a gynecologist.

GP practices can claim £ 20 for any “Care episode”, which could include several interactions with specialists.

Smyth said the government “re -wired the NHS” and did things differently.

“This scheme is a perfect example of how we save patients time and reduce the pressure on important NHS services in this process,” she said.

“It will take some time to reverse the harmful neglect that the NHS has suffered in recent years, but our change plan is to deliver the services for patients, with the waiting lists being reduced in mail by 219,000 and 1,500 new GPS since July.”

National Voices that represents Health Accountability Organizations in England said that “real decision” patients have to be offered over the best treatment routes.

“We have to see strong communication about what the service is and what it means for patient care practical,” said Sharon Brennan, director of the directive.

The British Medical Association said in a statement: “We have seen decades of sub -investment in general medicine, and this is an important small step to recognize the important role of the family doctor and support practices to ensure improved care patients.

“The journey to bring the family doctor back has just started. Now we have to focus on the promise of the State Secretary, to conclude the negotiation of a new GP contract within the term of this parliament in order to protect the family’s GP services for the future, and we look forward to working closely with the government to achieve this.”