The NHS England Standard General Medical Services Contract 2019/20: What You Need to Know
The NHS England Standard General Medical Services (GMS) Contract is a crucial agreement between the NHS and GPs (General Practitioners) that ensures the provision of primary care services to patients in England. It outlines the services that GPs must provide, the standards they should meet, and the payment they receive for their work.
The 2019/20 contract has introduced some significant changes to the previous version, and it`s important for both GPs and patients to understand these changes. In this article, we`ll go through some of the key points of the new contract.
Increased Funding
The new contract has introduced an increase of £1.8 billion in funding for primary care services over the next five years. This is a significant investment that will help to improve patient care and access to services, as well as supporting GPs in their work.
Extended Access
One of the key changes in the new contract is the extension of access to primary care services. This means that patients will be able to access appointments with their GP outside of normal working hours, including on weekends and bank holidays. This will help to alleviate the pressure on GP practices and ensure that patients can receive timely care when they need it.
Focus on Prevention
The new contract also places a greater emphasis on prevention. GPs will be required to take a more proactive approach to identifying and managing patients at risk of developing long-term conditions, such as diabetes and heart disease. They will also be encouraged to work with patients to promote healthy living and lifestyle changes that can help to prevent illness.
Mental Health Services
The new contract includes a commitment to improving mental health services for patients. GPs will be required to make mental health assessments available to all patients, and they will be encouraged to work with other healthcare professionals to provide more comprehensive support for those with mental health conditions.
Quality and Safety
The new contract places a strong focus on quality and safety. GPs will be required to meet a range of performance indicators, including targets for cancer diagnosis and treatment, and patient satisfaction. They will also be required to provide safe, effective, and patient-centered care, and to work proactively to identify and manage risks to patient safety.
In Conclusion
The new NHS England Standard General Medical Services Contract 2019/20 is a significant step forward in the provision of primary care services in England. Its focus on extended access, prevention, mental health, and quality and safety will help to improve patient care and outcomes, while supporting GPs in their vital work. As we move forward, it will be important for both GPs and patients to work together to ensure that the contract is implemented effectively and that its full potential is realized.