Lib Dems call for a return to “proper local health services” as figures show a surge in patients per GP in Berkshire West

The analysis shows that there are now an eye-watering 2,475 patients for every GP in Berkshire West, an area that covers Reading, Wokingham and Newbury.

At the last election, the Conservative Party promised to recruit more GPs. However, today’s analysis reveals there are now almost 2,000 fewer fully qualified GPs in England compared to 2016. This includes a fall of 97 GP surgeries in the wider South East region over that period.

Separate figures uncovered by the Liberal Democrats have found that there are 547 fewer GP surgeries in England compared to 2019. This includes a fall of 97 GP surgeries in the South East over that period.

Liberal Democrat Leader Ed Davey has pledged that the party would recruit more GPs and give patients a legal right to see a GP within 7 days, or 24 hours in an emergency. This would be achieved through increasing training places for GPs, a programme to retain experienced doctors and staff, and launching a recruitment drive to encourage those who’ve left the NHS to return. 

The party is also calling for a rescue plan for social care, including setting a higher minimum wage for carers to tackle staff shortages and ensuring no one has to sell their home to pay for care. 

Commenting, Tilehurst Liberal Democrat Councillor Meri O’Connell said:

“We need a return to proper local health services. People in Reading just want strong local health services but years of Government neglect have caused a GP shortage crisis, leaving people unable to see their local doctor when they need to. 

“Liberal Democrats would guarantee people a right to a GP appointment within one week so people can get the care they deserve. Boosting GP numbers would not only help people get appointments, but it would also reduce pressure on our hospitals and paramedics, saving crucial time and money elsewhere in the NHS.”

Liberal Democrat Leader Ed Davey MP added:

“Patients are paying the price for years of neglect under this Conservative Government, who have broken their promise to recruit more GPs. It shows ministers are taking local communities for granted.

“It’s time these out-of-touch ministers made good on their promises to hire more doctors, cut waiting times and cleared the backlog.”