In 2025, WiseGP introduced our WiseProvocations project.
We discussed the biggest threat to the future of general practice - that key decision makers don’t understand what general practice is and does.
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Stories about access have dominated the headlines for years and GP services across the UK have responded, increasing appointments by around 5 million per month since 2019.
Currently, over 31 million appointments take place in general practice every month, yet patients still tell us that their biggest problem is access! So, what’s the answer? We need more GPs in practice, but what else can be done alongside this? It’s clear that just doing more of the same, won’t do.
With Healthwatch, we’ve talked to patients in-person and online about what we can do differently to improve access. Two key ideas for change have emerged from these discussions- supporting our understanding and building community assets.
You can view the animation created to share these ideas for change below.
Our Healthwatch colleagues will share this animation within their patient networks, to highlight the incredible work that GPs continue to do to improve access, while suggesting it’s time for change. We need to think differently to tackle modern healthcare problems. AI and access to even more appointments will help, but it won’t be the solution.
It’s time for change… more of the same, won’t do!
