GP Appointments should suit patients not targets

The Liberal Democrats said today that GPs should be able to arrange appointments to suit the needs of patients, not government targets. A YouGov poll revealed only 44 per cent of people asked were able to book an appointment with their GP within the 48 hour target.

Lib Dem health spokesperson Steve Webb responding said:

"This survey shows just how flawed the government's official figures are.

"Thousands of patients up are finding it almost impossible to get a convenient appointment with their doctor. It is appalling that Tony Blair appeared to be completely unaware of this widespread problem during the election campaign."

He added:

"The government's target means that patients are faced with inflexible, irritating appointment systems. People have to spend hours pressing redial to get an appointment, or can only book advanced appointments weeks ahead."