Health chiefs have drawn up new guidance to encourage doctors to place mental health therapists in practice surgeries – bringing more mental and physical health services under one roof. These new therapists will be integrated into primary care teams and focus on common mental health disorders such as anxiety and depression, particularly where this occurs […]

As the NHS treats more patients than ever before, a new nationwide survey shows the vast majority of people are positive about their GP care – with eight out of ten patients rating their overall experience of their GP surgery as good. The survey also found that confidence and trust in GPs and healthcare professionals […]

GPs are signing up to become ‘veteran friendly’ under a new national scheme to improve medical care and treatment for former members of the armed services that has been backed by NHS England and the Royal College of GPs. Practices can qualify for veteran friendly status by offering extra support for ex-military personnel who may […]

A specialist GP has been appointed to help spread NHS innovations which integrate health and social care throughout England. Dr Karen Kirkham, who runs a practice in Dorset and specialises in women’s health, will work with the wider GP community to spread tried and tested innovation and transformation techniques across the country. Dr Kirkham has […]

GPs, patients and healthcare professionals are being given the chance to have their say on plans by the NHS which will help shape the future of a modern general practice. As it celebrates its 70th birthday, the NHS is looking at ways to reform the GP contract to provide a stronger and more sustainable general […]

The UK Space Agency has today announced that it is allocating up to £4 million to find hi-tech solutions to the major health and care challenges facing the NHS in its 70th anniversary year in a joint initiative with NHS England. These challenges, outlined by NHS England’s chief executive Simon Stevens in his speech to […]

NHS England is today announcing a new £10 million fund to support and retain GPs. Some £7 million will be made available through regional-based schemes to help GPs to stay in the workforce, by promoting new ways of working and by offering additional support through a new Local GP Retention Fund. A further £3 million […]

Doctors and nurses will be able to reduce unnecessary patient tests and improve safety through better working between hospitals and GPs and social care. New partnerships will be introduced giving health and care staff better and faster access to vital information about the person in their care, so they can determine the right action as […]

New trial results from the Behavioural Insights Team show improved service access. A pilot system is now making it easier for GPs to understand the waiting times at hospitals for their patients. The e-traffic light system could help reduce hospital waiting times while offering patients a clearer choice of treatment and is set to be […]

Updated 13 April: This post has been amended following a typo in one of the quotes. Nearly 14 million patients across England are now securely using online services with their family doctor to book appointments, order repeat prescriptions and view their records – saving time for themselves and busy GP practices. Latest figures show an increase […]