Baroness Gerada
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GP Contract
Baroness Gerada Excerpts(1 day, 12 hours ago)
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Baroness Gerada (CB)
My Lords, the new GP contract appears to be baking in access over continuity: my GP, when I want to see him. How will the Government protect continuity of care, which is after all what keeps the NHS safe and provides value for money, and which patients welcome?
Baroness Merron (Lab)
We have already said that through our 10-year plan, and this contract very much ties into the main pillars of the plan. We found GP services in a very difficult and challenging state, as I know the noble Baroness will be more than aware. We regard GP services as the front door. We want to see that continuity of care and we expect GPs to organise it accordingly. We all understand that it is not always possible, but clearly the best form of care, whether in the community or in hospital, is on a continuous basis and wrapped around the patient’s needs, not the other way around.