'Figures reveal GP funding slashed by 5% in Medway since 2019' - say Medway Liberal Democrats

Funding for GP services in Kent and Medway has been slashed since 2019, research commissioned by the Liberal Democrats has revealed. 

Locally, practices have seen reduced opening hours, reduced service levels, and not enough appointments being made available. It comes despite growing demand for GP services and patients often having to wait weeks to get an appointment. 

More investment is needed to safeguard the future of Medway's GPs. Medway Liberal Democrats are calling for patients to be given a legal right to see their GP within seven days, or 24-hours if in urgent need. 

This would be achieved by increasing the number of fully qualified GPs, with an initiative to boost recruitment and retain more experienced doctors. 

Nicholas Chan, Medway Liberal Democrat PPC for Chatham and Aylesford said: “Families and pensioners in Kent and Medway are currently struggling to see their GP despite needing being in need of medical advice. It is leaving people waiting in pain or simply anxious about not getting the care they need. It is not right that our community is suffering the consequences of this Conservative government’s neglect of local health services. 

Rishi Sunak and his failing government are is totally out of touch with people’s concerns. Conservative MPs are too busy fighting amongst themselves to deliver the health services that we so desperately need. 

Seeing your GP should be at the heart of our NHS. That is why Liberal Democrats are calling nationally for an increase of 8,000 GPs and incentives to retain our experienced Doctors". 

ENDS

Notes to Editors:

Analysis by the House of Commons Library on GP funding per area can be found here. Figures are broken down by ICBs.

House of Commons Library notes can be found here.

The original source of the data is: NHS Payments to General Practice, England, 2022/23