Mersey Reporter - #Merseybites #News

THE UK Government has delivered on a key manifesto commitment to recruit 26,000 additional primary care professionals a year ahead of the March 2024 target; including:- 3,617 more in the North West. Data published on 18 May by NHS England shows there are 26,103 additional primary care staff; such as:- dieticians, paramedics, and physiotherapists; working in GP practices with doctors and nurses to deliver care to patients.

The Government continues to work to create more appointments, and recent data shows there were almost two million more GP appointments delivered in March when compared to a year ago; that is 83,500 more appointments each working day.

This milestone builds on the recently published Primary Care Recovery Plan, which set out action to make it easier for patients to contact their GP and end the 8 am rush. It included £240 million in funding given to practices across the UK this year to embrace the latest technology.

These developments follow Mr. Moore’s continued commitment to ensuring that the Children’s A&E, closed in 2003 under a Labour Government and a Liberal Democrat MP, is returned to Southport Hospital as soon as possible, in addition to the reinstatement of 24/7 children’s services, at Ormskirk Hospital.

Damien Moore, Member of Parliament for Southport, said:- “I was elected on a manifesto to improve healthcare outcomes and opportunities for my constituents in Southport, in particular those who are children. From my weekly surgery in The Atkinson, and from my correspondence, my constituents continue to make clear to me how great a priority healthcare is for them. I am therefore delighted that the Government has successfully delivered on recruiting additional primary care staff, to work in GP surgeries and to increase the availability of care and appointments to patients. I will continue to work with my colleagues in Westminster and local stakeholders to champion high-quality local healthcare for my constituents in Southport, whether this is an increase in the amount of GP appointments available, the return of the Children’s A&E at Southport Hospital, or NHS dental treatment at local practices.”

Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak MP, said:- “Expanding our brilliant primary care teams was a key promise of this government, and we have delivered. It is fantastic news we have achieved our target to recruit an extra 26,000 primary care professionals almost one year earlier than planned. These dedicated professionals play a vital role at the front door of our NHS; supporting patients, delivering excellent care, and helping to cut waiting lists.”

Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, Steve Barclay MP, said:- "This Government is focused on cutting waiting lists; which is one of our five priorities; and getting patients the care they need when they need it. We have delivered on our promise to recruit 26,000 extra primary care professionals which means more clinicians delivering better, more specialised, and accessible care to patients. Building on the Primary Care Recovery Plan, we are determined to end the 8 am scramble, improving technology and reducing bureaucracy.”

Chief Executive of NHS England, Amanda Pritchard, said:- "It is fantastic to see more than 29,000 staff join our General Practice workforce since 2019, a year ahead of the Government target, following NHS recruitment campaigns with these new staff including:- mental health practitioners, social prescribers, and pharmacists offering people expert care and advice at their local practice. Thanks to these new GP teams record numbers of appointments are being delivered, with the latest figures showing that more than 31 million appointments took place in March 2023; up almost a 3rd compared to pre-pandemic.”