The BBC reports that Everyone in England will have access to GP services seven days a week by 2020, Prime Minister David Cameron has promised. The prime minister has unveiled a further £100m from April 2015 for a fund set up last year to improve flexibility. The government has also promised to bring back “named GPs” – to take charge of care outside hospital. It will form part of a new contract for GPs to be announced later on Tuesday.
Mr Cameron said: “People need to be able to see their GP at a time that suits them and their family. That’s why we will ensure everyone can see a GP seven days a week by 2020.”
Under a £50m pilot scheme launched at last year’s Conservative conference, surgeries in nine areas of England were able to bid for money to open from 8am to 8pm seven days a week, as well as offering Skype consultations and more telephone consultations.
Practices around the country will now be invited to bid for funds for 2015/16. Extending seven day opening to all areas by 2020 will cost £400m spread over the next five years, the government said.
