Hunt promises more investment in general practice in return for seven day access

England’s health secretary has promised GPs “the biggest opportunity for new investment in a generation” if they commit to his government’s plans for seven day primary care services.

In a speech at a health centre in south London Jeremy Hunt promised to redress historical underinvestment in general practice as part of his “new deal” for the profession.1 But Hunt said the new investment would hinge on GPs embracing plans for seven day services that were currently being piloted across England.2

“New deals have two parties, so I want to be upfront: this is not about change I can deliver on my own,” he said. “If we are to have a new deal I will need your cooperation and support—both in improving the quality and continuity of care for vulnerable patients and delivering better access, seven days a week, for everyone.”

In a wide ranging speech Hunt vowed to tackle the current recruitment and retention crisis in general practice, reiterating his pre-election pledge to train 5000 new GPs and 5000 additional healthcare workers to work …