Over the next four years, £250m will be invested into GP premises from NHS England.
The funding will not only aim to improve the premises, but will also be invested in technology and give practices the space to offer more appointments – which will reduce the number of hospital admissions.
The news comes following the results of a survey by the British Medical Association (BMA) which suggested that 40% of doctors felt their current practices were not equipped to provide the best patient care.
Dr Chaand Nagpaul, Chair of the BMA’s General Practice Committee, said :“It is encouraging that there is finally central recognition of the huge historic underinvestment in GP premises following prolonged pressure from the BMA’s GPs committee and a commitment we secured in the 2015/16 contract negotiations.
“This pledge of extra investment is undoubtedly a step in the right direction and if delivered properly could result in real change. The BMA GPs committee is committed to working with NHS England to ensure this funding reaches everyday practices on the ground, so that GPs and their staff can work in fit for purpose facilities to optimally deliver the expanding level of care provided in general practice.”
