Hunt to ease plans on Sunday GP opening, Pulse says

Pulse has reported that Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt has admitted there is likely to be less demand for GP appointments on Sundays.

In an interview with Pulse, Hunt maintained that while he believes the public does want Sunday GP appointments, it did not mean provision would be the same level on a Sunday afternoon as busier periods.

In response to being questioned about the lack of demand for routine GP appointments on Sundays, Hunt said that it was ‘his job’ to ensure that ‘patients in England have access to consistent, safe and high-quality care’.

Hunt said: “Expanding GP access is just one part of this because if the NHS is to continue to offer a great service we have to recognise that many people do not want to have to take time off work for a routine appointment.

“According to a YouGov poll in July 2015, a significant majority thinks GP surgeries should offer appointments seven days a week - but that does not mean it will be the same level on a Sunday afternoon as a Saturday morning.”

The news comes after Hunt recently vowed to implement routine GP appointments until 8pm on Sundays despite evidence suggesting plans should be scrapped.

However, in the Pulse interview, Hunt assured that the government was not ‘asking every practice to open seven days a week' but is rather 'looking for solutions to be offered by a network of practices’.

Hunt added: “I’m always keen to listen to ideas about how we can reduce burdens in general practice, and the current GMC review of medical revalidation is an important opportunity to consider this. But I’m clear that this needs to be balanced with ensuring that doctors are up to date with their practice and able to give patients the best-possible care.”