Ensure GP services in England remain free at the point of access

Background

Legislate to keep GP care free at the point of access; provide sustainable funding to prevent GPs becoming overstretched; return to contract negotiations with the BMA alongside wider stakeholder consultation to prevent mass contract hand-backs & privatisation by stealth.

Additional details

BMA GPC England has voted to ballot GPs on ‘Plan B’ proposals for means-tested, subscription-based GP care. The NHS was founded on the principle that services are free at the point of use. But payment of this kind is not unprecedented. We already have a two-tier system when it comes to dentistry. As a counsellor & psychotherapist working with people with chronic and terminal illnesses, I believe this will harm those who depend on regular GP appointments to manage long-term conditions.