An announcement that changes to GP surgeries will help end the 8am scramble to book an appointment has been hailed by local Senedd Member, Lee Waters, as one that will bring immense relief to residents throughout the constituency.
Speaking of the new General Medical Services (GMS) contract, Mr. Waters said:
“Whenever I speak to people around the Llanelli area, I am inevitably told about how difficult it is to get through to a practise at 8am in order to make an appointment. This can be stressful and upsetting for people who are already feeling unwell and worried. That’s why I am pleased with Health Minister Eluned Morgan’s measures to change the current GP contract which will make it clear that releasing appointments daily at 8am is no longer acceptable.”
The changes, supported by £12m of extra investment from the Welsh Labour Government, are set to make sure that people are triaged appropriately and, if an appointment is needed, people will receive one which is right for their clinical needs.
Where appropriate, people may be signposted to another service – or healthcare professional – who can help or support them.
Lee Waters MS added:
“These changes will significantly improve the way appointments for people in the Llanelli constituency are handled – and will allow practices to better manage patient needs.”
“I am also glad that these agreed changes will reward all staff working in general practice with a pay rise and extra funding to help to respond to winter pressures.”
£4m of extra funding will be made available to GPs for the next three financial years to ensure the retention of the additional capacity and in support of the commitment made around access to services.
