Healthcare Commission Review

House of Lords written question – answered at on 10 October 2005.

Alert me about debates like this

Photo of Lord Taylor of Warwick Lord Taylor of Warwick Conservative

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What steps they propose to take in response to the finding of the Healthcare Commission Review that a quarter of patients are not being seen by their general practitioner within the target time of 48 hours.

Photo of Lord Warner Lord Warner Minister of State, Department of Health, Minister of State (Department of Health) (NHS Delivery)

The aim of the primary care access target is that everyone should be able to see a general practitioner within 48 hours, not that they may only be seen within this time frame. Latest official figures show that virtually all patients can now do so. The Healthcare Commission's findings are not directly comparable. They are based on a survey of patients earlier this year and the 25 per cent. seen outside the target timeframe include patients who chose to wait longer.

The Government, however, accept that there is a gap between the data reported to the Department of Health by primary care trusts (PCTs) from their practices and public perception of access, as reported in patient surveys. PCTs are being encouraged to work with their practices to close that gap. A number of best practice resources are available to help PCTs and general practice to do this, including support from the national primary care trust development team and a leaflet on adopting patient-sensitive appointment systems.

Does this answer the above question?

Yes1 person thinks so

No0 people think not

Would you like to ask a question like this yourself? Use our Freedom of Information site.