Small rise in spending on GPs could save billions

Following analysis by management consultants Deloitte, it has been revealed that if the NHS invest an extra £72 million annually into family doctors and practice nurses, the NHS could save £5 for every additional pound put in.

Study advises NHS invest in GPs

Study advises NHS should invest in General Practice

The findings state that the investment would reduce A&E visits, patients’ time spent hospitalised, and ambulance callouts.

It identifies that an estimated £72m boost to the £9.55bn of funds which GPs currently receive would save atleast £133.9m a year by diverting up to 1.7 million patients from the A&E. In addition to this, the overall bills for the A&E services would also be reduced.

The report concludes that by spending a total of £360 million – £72 million for every year during the next five years- the NHS could save up to £1.9bn by then.

The study has received strong support from Simon Stevens, the chief executive of NHS England, who believes General Practice ought to receive more from the NHS budget.

‘The NHS’s Five Year Forward View forcefully argues for more prevention, integration and innovation, supported by new investment and a new deal for GPs. So the RCGP are right to push for expanded primary care, which is better for patients and can help offset pressures on hospitals.’ Stevens said.

The study confirms previous concerns suggesting the NHS has been a victim of poor management and is in need of a better system which offsets problems rather than to simply cut budgets.