Access to local doctors will be guaranteed under a Tory election vow.
The party’s manifesto aims to ensure a 12-hour-a-day, seven-days-a-week service.
It has criticised current out-of-hours access, claiming a quarter of practices are shut after 6.30pm on weekdays.
The health service is traditionally core Labour territory.
Conservative leader David Cameron sought to reinforce his centrist credentials in an interview with the Sunday Telegraph, in which he pledged to govern on behalf of “everyone in Britain” if elected.
He said he would avoid the more “divisive” policies associated with the Thatcher governments of the 1980s, instead urging the country to “join together, act decisively and move forward with optimism”.
It will also rule out a so-called “death tax” on estates to fund social care for the elderly.
All three main parties are unveiling their manifestos this week.
Copyright © Press Association 2010
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Related blog: Election fever has led to manifesto mania – someone call a doctor
As the election campaign gets underway, which of the parties do you trust on primary care? Your comments: (Terms and conditions apply):
“None of them are to be trusted at all! Please explain to me when my GPs are supposed to sleep if they are at the surgery for 12hrs a day, seven days a week? Do politicians work these hours? Or NHS managers? Didn’t think so!” – Denise Kendall, London
“I agree with Mark, ‘None'” – Elaine Allington, Birmingham
“None” – Mark Shipston, Nottingham
