Much of the debate around GP access has been played out in the public arena, attracting attention not only in health but across the political spectrum. Tackling access in primary care is a priority for the Prime Minister. While attention has focused predominantly on GP opening hours and contractual negotiations with the British Medical Association (BMA), there are broader challenges in improving access to quality GP services.
This briefing provides an overview of what the General Medical Services (GMS) contract is delivering for patients and looks at wider issues facing all primary care professionals in delivering first-rate access to general practice. These go beyond the publicised aspects of the debate and present complex challenges.