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2d ago

Month-Long GP Waits Reach 1.77 Million in November After Record October

The figures have triggered calls for a legal seven‑day GP guarantee from the Liberal Democrats.

Liberal Democrats’ analysis reports that NHS figures show 1,770,000 people waited longer than four weeks for a GP appointment in November (Photo: Anthony Devlin/PA)
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Wes Streeting, the health secretary, has been touted as a possible successor to Sir Keir Starmer
Lib Dems demand right to see a GP in 7 days as waiting times in the South West spiral

Overview

  • NHS England data show 1.77 million people waited more than four weeks for a GP appointment in November, up 246,625 compared with July 2024.
  • Across September to November, 7.6 million appointments involved waits of at least four weeks, with October the worst month on record at about 4.08 million.
  • Every region recorded increases, led by the South West with a 23.7% rise (about 53,000 more long waits), and some local areas saw jumps of around 40–47%.
  • The Department of Health and Social Care says the figures include routine reviews and follow‑ups and do not reflect only urgent requests, rejecting claims that longer waits are being imposed.
  • Ministers cite £1.1bn extra for primary care, 2,500 additional GPs and expanded online access, while the BMA warns all‑day digital booking could create hospital‑style waiting lists in general practice.