The government has launched a new initiative, “Advice and Guidance,” aiming to reduce hospital waiting lists by diverting patients through their family doctors. Under this scheme, GPs across England will receive a £20 payment for each patient they successfully advise against referring directly to a hospital specialist. The program is projected to prevent up to two million referrals by the close of 2025/26, freeing up resources within the NHS.
Health Minister Karin Smyth defended the plan, emphasizing that it would facilitate more localized care and expedite treatment for patients. “This means people will be treated closer to home, ensuring they receive quicker attention from the NHS,” she stated.
However, Shadow Paymaster General Richard Holden has sharply criticized the proposal, labeling it a “gimmick.” He argued that GPs already avoid unnecessary referrals and that this scheme does not address the core issues facing general practice.
Holden expressed concerns about the financial strain on GP services due to rising National Insurance contributions. “GPs have told me directly that the Chancellor’s tax rise is having a significant impact, costing practices hundreds of millions of pounds,” he said. “This money offered through this scheme is just a drop in the ocean compared to what the government is forcing them to pay.”
He warned that even with the additional payments, GPs may be forced to reduce services or cut staff due to the rising costs. “They’ll have to restrict appointments or let go of vital frontline workers like receptionists – all because of this National Insurance tax imposed by Labour,” Holden added.
Holden concluded: “National Insurance is impacting businesses, which create the wealth that funds our public services, and it’s also harming those very services, including GPs and schools. They’ve both told me the compensation provided isn’t enough, and they’ll be forced to make cuts.”
Dr. Katie Bramall-Stainer, chair of the BMA’s GP committee for England, acknowledged the initiative as “an important small step” after years of underinvestment in general practice. She clarified that this scheme represents a recognition of the crucial role GPs play and begins to fund work previously carried out without additional resources.
- The “Advice and Guidance” program aims to divert up to two million patients from hospital waiting lists by 2025/26.
- GPs will receive £20 for each patient they advise against referring to a specialist.
- Critics argue the scheme doesn’t address underlying financial pressures on GP practices, particularly rising National Insurance contributions.
- The BMA acknowledges the program as a positive first step in addressing years of underinvestment in general practice.
“This scheme was recently negotiated between the BMA and the Government and starts us on a path of funding what was previously undertaken by GPs and their team for no additional resources,” Dr. Bramall-Stainer explained.
