24.04.15
Greater Manchester to get seven-day GP access by end of year
Seven-day GP access could be available to everyone in Greater Manchester by the end of the year as a result of the deal devolving NHS spending to local control.
The Conservatives have promised seven-day access nationwide within the next five years, should they be re-elected to government, but local bosses in Greater Manchester plan to start rolling out the extended service by December.
The Manchester Evening News has seen papers to go before a “private meeting” on Friday saying the move is one of several “early wins” bosses want to achieve from the deal.
The papers show the health and social care system across Greater Manchester would face £1.1bn shortfall within two years under pre-devolution set-up but it is hoped the devolution deal will make it financially sustainable.
It is understood the GP proposal is at a very early stage and is still under discussion with doctors, some of whom are not yet on board. A new Sunday service has been suggested in the form of a drop-in clinic run by a GP somewhere in each local area.
The plan is to use existing funds within the system – which pays GPs per patient – rather than costing the region more overall.
Health and council bosses hope the move will eventually be replicated by every GP in the entire conurbation, but this is expected to take several years to achieve.
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