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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Politics
Andrew Gregory Health editor

Millions of patients a month wait longer than a fortnight to see GP in England

In 2023, almost 61m GP appointments took place more than two weeks after being requested.
In 2023, almost 61m GP appointments took place more than two weeks after being requested. Photograph: Julian Claxton/Alamy

More than 5 million patients a month in England are waiting longer than a fortnight for a GP appointment after ministers promised everyone would be able to get one within 14 days.

In September 2022, the government said patients would be able to see a family doctor within two weeks of booking a consultation. Thérèse Coffey, then the health secretary, promised to prioritise the issue with a “laser-like focus”.

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