About this episode
The episode discusses the declining resources for GPs and the controversy surrounding referral process reforms in the NHS.
HSJ Health Check discusses the latest squeeze on GP resources, and controversy over reform of referral processes. Analysis of new figures show the share of NHS spend going to general practice fell to its lowest point in 2024-25 - a decade on from NHS England vowing to shift the balance the other way. The share of doctors in the English NHS who are GPs also fell. Meanwhile, GP groups are among those crying foul over the latest "advice and guidance" reforms. NHS England is asking systems to introduce universal A&G for 10 "high volume specialties" chosen locally, for which it has set an ambition of a "diversion rate of at least 25 per cent by March 2027". With HSJ deputy editor Dave West, bureau chief James Illman and correspondent Caitlin Tilley.
People in this episode
Hosts: Dave West, Caitlin Tilley
Topics covered
- GP resources
- NHS spend
- referral processes
- advice and guidance reforms
Keywords
- general practice
- NHS England
- diversion rate
- high volume specialties
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