Cameron announces £50m fund for 12/7 GP access pilots

Independent out of hours primary care providers such as Care UK could benefit from additional funding the Government is providing for 7-day access to general practice.. The Government has announced people will be able to see their GP seven days a week and out of office hours under new proposals set out by the Prime Minister for a first wave of pioneer’ GP groups offering extended opening hours across the country from 2014/15. The Government says the move will make it easier for people see their family doctor from 8am to 8pm, seven days a week. It will help thousands who struggle to find GP appointments that fit in with their family and work life,’ a statement from the Department of Health said. GPs wishing to want to access the extra funding will be able to apply to a new £50m challenge fund to set up a pioneer’ programme. Pioneers’ will be established in each of the nine regions of the country which are expected to cover up to half a million patients.