Lucy Frazer,  MP for South East Cambridgeshire, writes on GP provision this month.

Our GPs play a crucial role in our communities, offering essential advice, care, and relief for those who need it.

On average, UK GP surgeries deliver approximately 20 million face-to-face appointments each month of the year, with millions also offered online.

To support GPs and patients, Government has been working to expand primary care capacity in recent years, especially in the face of rising respiratory illness and the backlog generated by the COVID-19 lockdowns.

In the year to October 2023, there were an additional 50.9 million additional appointments available when compared to October 2019 and 34,000 additional patient care staff – 8,000 above target.

I fully recognise that in some areas, some of my constituents are experiencing difficulty in accessing an appointment.

Recently, I met with the CEO of the local health authority (the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Integrated Care Board), Jan Thomas, to press her on how she can help to support surgeries deliver better care and to discuss imminent measures.

One issue that has been raised with me in particular is the difficulty of getting an appointment. Ms Thomas said that the new ‘national digital pathways framework’ is due to be rolled out later this month, which is targeted at improving online consultation, messaging and appointment booking tools.

She told me that St Mary's surgery in Ely is now delivering an all-time high number of appointments; 25 per cent more than before the £4.1 million surgery expansion, which was completed in July.

In Soham, Staploe Medical Centre submitted their detailed planning application for expansion last week.

Ely Standard: Lucy Frazer MP met with staff at the Staploe Medical Centre to discuss their expansion plans.Lucy Frazer MP met with staff at the Staploe Medical Centre to discuss their expansion plans. (Image: Government)

I know that the surgery is oversubscribed, which is why I have asked the ICB to support a fair revaluation of development works to the District Valuer’s Office, and pressed the Department of Health and Social Care for the funding necessary.

Not only would this development take pressure of services in Ely, but I know that the whole area would benefit from a new facility.

I know that healthcare is vitally important to all of us. If you are encountering problems accessing primary care services, or want to contact me about any of the above issues, please do not hesitate to email me on lucy.frazer.mp@parliament.uk and I will happily get back to you as soon as I can.