You can't trust the Tories with the NHS

Survey shows 45871 people in Basildon and Brentwood say local GP opening hours are inconvenient

New analysis published today by Labour shows that 18%, around 45871 people, in Basildon and Brentwood find their local GP opening times inconvenient.
74% of people in the area want to see their GP surgery’s opening hours extended to include evenings and 67% would like appointments on a Saturday

Mike Le-Surf, Labour's General Election candidate for South Basildon and East Thurrock, said:

“It can be tough for people to balance work and family commitment and people often tell me squeezing a GP visit into already busy schedules can be a challenge.The Government should be doing more to help local GP surgeries offer the greater flexibility people want when it comes to appointments.
Under David Cameron, the NHS is going backwards. Only under a One Nation Labour Government are we going to get an NHS that works for all the British people.”

 

Liz Kendall MP, Labour's Shadow Health Minister said:

“Millions of people want to be able to book an appointment with a GP outside of normal working hours. It’s hard to take time off during work, and many people also have to commute or pick their children up after school. David Cameron promised he’d make it easier for patients to see a GP. But the number of patients who say their surgery opening hours are inconvenient is rising and fewer surgeries are now offering evening and weekend appointments.
This Government removed the vital incentives Labour put in place to make surgery appointments more convenient.  That’s wrong and must change.
Ministers should also instruct NHS England to ensure all GP led Clinical Commissioning Groups act on patients’ concerns about getting an appointment and give this issue the priority it deserves.”