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Labour will end the 8am scramble for GP appointments

A Labour government will end the 8am scramble by allowing patients to easily book appointments to see the doctor they want, in the manner they choose. 

Across Cambridgeshire & Peterborough, there are over 80 GP Surgeries offering between 400,000 - 500,000 appointments every month. Despite these numbers, many people are left waiting days, weeks or even a month just to speak to a GP.

Labour will provide the investment and reform needed to get patients seen on time again and bring back the family doctor.

Elizabeth McWilliams, Labour's candidate for Ely and East Cambridgeshire said:

“We’ve all experienced the 8am scramble to book a GP appointment. This has only got worse and it’s no surprise when GP numbers have fallen by the thousands under the Conservative government. 

“Answering calls faster and providing more appointments means one thing - more staff. That’s why Labour will train thousands more GPs, guarantee a face-to-face appointment for all those who want one and deliver a modern appointment booking system to end the 8am scramble. 

“Labour will also take the pressure off GP surgeries, by giving pharmacists prescribing rights where appropriate, and allowing other professionals, such as opticians, to make direct referrals to specialist services or tests, as well as expanding self-referral routes where appropriate.

“We will also trial Neighbourhood Health Centres, with existing services such as family doctors, district nurses, care workers, physiotherapists, palliative care, and mental health specialists under one roof.”