GP booking rules have changed: What you need to know

These changes are designed to make it easier for patients to get timely care. This is either by being seen quickly, referred appropriately, or signposted to another service that can help.

What’s changing?

Under the new rules, GP practices are required to:

• Offer patients an assessment or form of contact on the same day they request an appointment between the hours of 8am to 6.30pm, Monday to Friday.
• Either:
  • Provide an appointment (in-person or remote),
  • Refer the patient to another appropriate NHS service, or
  • Signpost them to another suitable source of help.

The aim is to reduce long waiting times, improve access, and help patients get the right care from the right service, faster.

Why is this happening

The changes are part of the Government's healthcare recovery plan, which focuses on improving how general practice is delivered, especially in light of rising patient demand and limited resources.

This new approach encourages GP teams to use the full range of clinical and support staff within a practice and community, helping to ease pressure on GPs while improving efficiency and patient experience.

Concerns raised by GPs

While the principles of faster and more responsive access are widely supported, some GP representatives have raised concerns about how the changes will work in practice.

The British Medical Association, which represents doctors in the UK, has formally entered into a dispute with NHS England, citing:

• A lack of safeguards to ensure patient safety.
• Worries that the changes are being introduced without enough support or funding for practices already under pressure.
• Concerns about the impact on workload and long-term sustainability.

These issues are currently being discussed between GP leaders and NHS England. It’s important to note that despite the dispute, services will continue, and patients should still contact their GP practice as usual if they need help.

What patients can expect

• You can expect a same-day assessment of your needs when you contact your GP practice.
• You may be offered an appointment, or directed to another service that can help more quickly, like a pharmacy, urgent treatment centre, or another healthcare provider.
• GP reception teams may ask for more information to help direct you to the right care. This is to ensure your needs are met safely and efficiently.

Healthwatch role

Healthwatch North Yorkshire will continue to:

• Listen to your experiences of GP access under the new rules.
• Share your feedback with decision-makers and the NHS to make sure patient voices are heard.
• Work to ensure that any changes to access are safe, fair, and effective for everyone.

We’ll be monitoring how these new rules are working locally and will report on what we hear from the public and from health and care professionals.