General · 24 February 2026
England GPs must ensure same-day urgent visits
A fresh contract clause requires family doctors to guarantee immediate consultations for anyone with pressing medical needs. Practices will receive a 3.6% funding increase above inflation to meet a 90% success target starting in April. However, the British Medical Association warns these demands could create unattainable hopes because clinics are already overwhelmed. Data shows patient numbers per doctor have risen by a fifth compared to eight years ago.
Reported by BBC · How we write briefs