By Dr Alyson Huntley
Research Fellow
Centre for Academic Primary Care
Provision of primary health care is always in the headlines and is a priority for all the political parties. Of particular concern is the number of GPs and nurses in practice, and patients’ real and perceived access to them. Expansion of primary and community health as an alternative to A&E is hotly debated as resources are carefully allocated. An ageing population coupled with high expectations of the general public mean that timely and appropriate primary health care provision is a major issue for any potential government.
All the five main parties pledge improved NHS health care personnel provision in their manifestos. Whilst there is mixed evidence that the number of GPs in practice influences A&E attendance, we do know that care from the same GP (continuity of care) does help reduce it. However, there is a very clear … Read more