GP practices located in working-class areas are set to receive a larger share of government funding as part of a significant NHS reform initiative. In response to concerns about the unequal distribution of healthcare services, a review will be launched by ministers to address the issue of “inverse care” that has persisted under Conservative governance for over a decade. This phenomenon has resulted in poorer areas with higher health needs receiving subpar NHS services, including fewer GPs, underperforming hospitals, and prolonged wait times.
The existing GP funding model has been criticized for favoring affluent regions with a higher concentration of elderly residents. Care minister Stephen Kinnock will introduce plans to redirect more funding to underserved communities and neglected coastal areas. The announcement of this review will take place at the Royal College of GPs’ annual primary care conference in Newport, emphasizing the need to modernize the allocation of GP funding to address disparities across different regions.
Acknowledging the outdated nature of the current funding formula, Mr. Kinnock highlighted the importance of ensuring that all communities receive equitable access to healthcare services. He emphasized the government’s commitment to eliminating the disparities in care quality and health outcomes through targeted investments in primary care. Currently, GP practices in working-class areas receive approximately 10% less funding per patient compared to practices in wealthier neighborhoods, leading to higher patient-to-GP ratios in disadvantaged regions.
Dr. Amanda Doyle, director of primary care at NHS England, stressed the necessity of allocating resources based on the actual healthcare needs of communities, particularly in deprived areas facing significant health challenges. By revising the GP funding model for the first time in two decades, the NHS aims to provide better support to those in need and address the healthcare inequities prevalent in society.
A recent GP patient survey revealed that individuals residing in the most deprived areas encounter greater difficulties in accessing GP services via phone, website, or app. The government’s review will focus on reevaluating how health needs are prioritized in the allocation of funding, as the current Carr-Hill formula, which relies on outdated data, may not accurately reflect the current healthcare landscape. This reform is seen as a crucial step towards reducing health inequalities and enhancing access to healthcare services for all individuals.
In regions where the shortage of GPs is most severe, patient-to-GP ratios exceed 3,000, with Thurrock in Essex topping the list with 3,431 patients per GP. Other areas facing significant strain include Leicester, Blackburn with Darwen, Luton, Milton Keynes, and Portsmouth, all experiencing high patient-to-GP ratios. Community leaders and healthcare advocates have welcomed the decision to review and adjust the GP funding formula, emphasizing the importance of fair and equitable access to healthcare services for all members of society.