{"id":1243353,"date":"2022-11-04T03:53:25","date_gmt":"2022-11-04T03:53:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.ghanamma.com\/2022\/11\/04\/lib-dems-promise-right-to-book-gp-appointments-within-a-week\/"},"modified":"2022-11-04T03:53:25","modified_gmt":"2022-11-04T03:53:25","slug":"lib-dems-promise-right-to-book-gp-appointments-within-a-week","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.ghanamma.com\/2022\/11\/04\/lib-dems-promise-right-to-book-gp-appointments-within-a-week\/","title":{"rendered":"Lib Dems promise right to book GP appointments within a week"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><\/p>\n<div>\n<div class=\"td_block_wrap tdb_single_featured_image tdi_106 tdb-content-horiz-left td-pb-border-top td_block_template_1\" data-td-block-uid=\"tdi_106\">\n<style><![CDATA[\n\n\/* inline tdc_css att *\/\n\n\/* phone *\/\n@media (max-width: 767px)\n{\n.tdi_106{\nmargin-bottom:20px !important;\n}\n}\n\n]]><\/style>\n<style><![CDATA[\n\/* custom css *\/\n.tdb_single_featured_image{\n     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}\n                }\n\n\/* portrait *\/\n@media (min-width: 768px) and (max-width: 1018px){\n.tdi_108,\n                .tdi_108 > p,\n                .tdi_108 .tdb-block-inner > p{\n\t\t\t        font-family:Roboto !important;font-size:15px !important;line-height:1.5 !important;font-weight:400 !important;\n\t\t        }.tdi_108 .tdb-block-inner blockquote p{\n\t\t\t        font-family:Roboto !important;font-size:24px !important;line-height:1 !important;font-style:normal !important;\n\t\t        }\n}\n\n\/* phone *\/\n@media (max-width: 767px){\n.tdi_108,\n                .tdi_108 > p,\n                .tdi_108 .tdb-block-inner > p{\n\t\t\t        font-family:Roboto !important;font-size:15px !important;line-height:1.5 !important;font-weight:400 !important;\n\t\t        }.tdi_108 .tdb-block-inner blockquote p{\n\t\t\t        font-family:Roboto !important;font-size:20px !important;line-height:1 !important;font-style:normal !important;\n\t\t        }.tdi_108 .wp-caption-text,\n\t\t\t\t.tdi_108 figcaption{\n\t\t\t        font-family:Roboto !important;font-size:11px !important;line-height:1.2 !important;font-style:normal !important;\n\t\t        }\n}\n]]><\/style>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\">\n<div data-component=\"text-block\" class=\"ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1\">\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00\"><b class=\"ssrcss-hmf8ql-BoldText e5tfeyi3\">People in England would be given the right to a GP appointment within a week, under Liberal Democrat plans.<\/b><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-component=\"text-block\" class=\"ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1\">\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00\">The party says it would set up a 24\/7 hotline for patients to book slots, with those who want to see a doctor face-to-face able to do so.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-component=\"text-block\" class=\"ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1\">\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00\">Leader Sir Ed Davey said too many were struggling to see a GP when needed, leading to missed or delayed diagnoses.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-component=\"text-block\" class=\"ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1\">\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00\">Some were \u201cturning in desperation to our overstretched A&amp;E departments instead\u201d, he added.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-component=\"text-block\" class=\"ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1\">\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00\">The pledge comes ahead of a speech by Sir Ed to party activists this weekend, after the party cancelled its autumn conference following Queen Elizabeth II\u2019s death. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-component=\"unordered-list-block\" class=\"ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-1o5f7ft-BulletListContainer e5tfeyi0\">\n<ul role=\"list\">\n<li>Same-day pledge for GP appointments in England<\/li>\n<li>NHS in bleak position as A&amp;E waits worsen \u2013 doctors<\/li>\n<li>PM backtracks on \u00a310 missed NHS appointment fines<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-component=\"text-block\" class=\"ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1\">\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00\">The Lib Dems say they would guarantee GP appointments within seven days by updating NHS England\u2019s constitution \u2013 which sets out various waiting time targets for access to treatment.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-component=\"text-block\" class=\"ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1\">\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00\">The party says it would also enshrine the right for people to choose a face-to-face consultation, and for people in \u201curgent need\u201d to be guaranteed an appointment within 24 hours.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-component=\"text-block\" class=\"ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1\">\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00\">Waiting time rights in the document are generally not enforceable by patients, but it creates legal duties on NHS providers.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-component=\"text-block\" class=\"ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1\">\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00\">The targets have been enforced by fines from NHS commissioners, although these have gradually been withdrawn in recent years due to financial pressures on NHS trusts.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-component=\"image-block\" class=\"ssrcss-18mjolk-ComponentWrapper ep2nwvo1\">\n<figure class=\"ssrcss-wpgbih-StyledFigure e34k3c23\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-ab5fd8-StyledFigureContainer e34k3c21\"><span class=\"ssrcss-1qeywjf-Placeholder e16icw910\"><span><\/p>\n<div><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Chart showing patient experience\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ghanamma.com\/wn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/_126804528_optimised-gp_appointment_experience-nc.png\" width=\"2048\" height=\"1440.3600900225056\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"ssrcss-evoj7m-Image ee0ct7c0\"\/><\/div>\n<p><\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div data-component=\"image-block\" class=\"ssrcss-18mjolk-ComponentWrapper ep2nwvo1\">\n<figure class=\"ssrcss-wpgbih-StyledFigure e34k3c23\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-ab5fd8-StyledFigureContainer e34k3c21\"><span class=\"ssrcss-10u71sh-Placeholder e16icw910\"><span><\/p>\n<div><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"1px transparent line\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ghanamma.com\/wn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/_112953491__108802839_624_transparent-nc.png\" width=\"624\" height=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"ssrcss-evoj7m-Image ee0ct7c0\"\/><\/div>\n<p><\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div data-component=\"text-block\" class=\"ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1\">\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00\">Sir Ed said \u201cfar too many people\u201d struggled to get a GP appointment when they needed it, leaving them \u201cwaiting anxiously for the care they deserve\u201d.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-component=\"text-block\" class=\"ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1\">\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00\">He added the Lib Dem pledge would \u201creduce pressure on our hospitals and paramedics, saving crucial time and money elsewhere in the NHS\u201d.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-component=\"text-block\" class=\"ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1\">\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00\">\u201cPatients are suffering from years of neglect under the Conservatives, who have repeatedly broken their promise to recruit more GPs,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-component=\"text-block\" class=\"ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1\">\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00\">The Lib Dems are also calling on the government to recruit 8,000 extra GPs, and make it more attractive for junior doctors to become GPs once they\u2019ve been trained.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-component=\"text-block\" class=\"ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1\">\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00\">The party also wants more to be done to encourage GPs who have left the NHS to return, including by changing rules that mean doctors can face high tax bills if their earnings go above a pension cap.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><h2 id=\"Twoweek-pledge-\" class=\"ssrcss-y2fd7s-StyledHeading e1fj1fc10\"><span role=\"text\">Two-week pledge <\/span><\/h2>\n<\/p>\n<div data-component=\"text-block\" class=\"ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1\">\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00\">Under former PM Liz Truss, the government recently announced same-day GP appointments for those that needed them, as part of its NHS England plan for this winter and next.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-component=\"text-block\" class=\"ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1\">\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00\">Unveiling the blueprint, former health secretary Th\u00e9r\u00e8se Coffey promised no-one would have to wait more than two weeks for a routine appointment, reflecting a pledge Ms Truss made during her Tory leadership campaign. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-component=\"text-block\" class=\"ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1\">\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00\">Currently, one in five appointments take longer than this.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-component=\"text-block\" class=\"ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1\">\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00\">Rishi Sunak pledged during his unsuccessful summer leadership campaign against Ms Truss that he would fine patients in England \u00a310 if they miss GP appointments, to help clear Covid backlogs.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-component=\"text-block\" class=\"ssrcss-11r1m41-RichTextComponentWrapper ep2nwvo0\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-7uxr49-RichTextContainer e5tfeyi1\">\n<p class=\"ssrcss-1q0x1qg-Paragraph eq5iqo00\">But he abandoned the policy after replacing Ms Truss in Downing Street last month, after opposition from GPs.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-component=\"links-block\" class=\"ssrcss-5i1hhv-LinksComponentWrapper e3eyuya0\">\n<section class=\"ssrcss-msolhr-LinksWrapper e3eyuya5\">\n<p><h2 class=\"ssrcss-q4zz1q-StyledHeading e1fj1fc10\">More on this story<\/h2>\n<\/p>\n<ul role=\"list\" class=\"ssrcss-10bv2vf-EndOfContentLinksGrid e3eyuya2\">\n<li class=\"ssrcss-547yr3-PromoItem e3eyuya1\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-nxco0v-Promo ett16tt0\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-a0724v-PromoSwitchLayoutAtBreakpoints e3z3r3u0\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-xekq2n-PromoContent e1f5wbog7\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-1f3bvyz-Stack e1y4nx260\"><span role=\"text\"><\/p>\n<p class=\"ssrcss-17zglt8-PromoHeadline e1f5wbog4\"><span aria-hidden=\"false\">PM backtracks on \u00a310 missed NHS appointment fines<\/span><\/p>\n<p><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"ssrcss-z60stg-PromoImageContainer ehnfhlg4\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-17h6w1t-PromoImageContainerInner ehnfhlg2\">\n<div class=\"ssrcss-fec6qv-ImageWrapper ehnfhlg3\"><span class=\"ssrcss-1uk08i9-Placeholder e16icw910\"><span><\/p>\n<div><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Rishi Sunak\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ghanamma.com\/wn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/_127411551_capture.jpg\" width=\"1536\" height=\"864.2865671641791\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"ssrcss-evoj7m-Image ee0ct7c0\"\/><\/div>\n<p><\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p> <!-- A generated by theme --> <\/p>\n<p><style><![CDATA[\n\n\/* inline tdc_css att *\/\n\n\/* phone *\/\n@media (max-width: 767px)\n{\n.tdi_109{\nmargin-right:-20px 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title=\"World News\"><img alt=\"World News\" src=\"http:\/\/www.ghanamma.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/1667535301_353_ade5b4bca22570b20ac3725ad5e2092a\"  class=\"avatar avatar-500 photo\" height=\"500\" width=\"500\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"\/><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"td_block_wrap tdb_single_post_share tdi_118 td-pb-border-top td_block_template_1\" data-td-block-uid=\"tdi_118\">\n<style><![CDATA[\n\n\/* inline tdc_css att *\/\n\n.tdi_118{\nmargin-top:30px !important;\nmargin-bottom:30px !important;\n}\n\n]]><\/style>\n<style><![CDATA[\n\/* custom css *\/\n.tdi_118 .td-post-sharing,\n\t\t\t\t.tdi_118 .tdb-share-classic{\n\t\t\t\t\ttext-align: center;\n\t\t\t\t}\n]]><\/style>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>&#13; &#13; &#13; People in England would be given the right to a GP appointment within a week, under Liberal Democrat plans. The party says it would set up a 24\/7 hotline for patients to book slots, with those who want to see a doctor face-to-face able to do so. Leader Sir Ed Davey said [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":1243355,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[56],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1243353","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-world"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.ghanamma.com\/2022\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1243353","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.ghanamma.com\/2022\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.ghanamma.com\/2022\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ghanamma.com\/2022\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ghanamma.com\/2022\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1243353"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.ghanamma.com\/2022\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1243353\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.ghanamma.com\/2022\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1243353"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ghanamma.com\/2022\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1243353"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ghanamma.com\/2022\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1243353"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}