Patients suffer in GP funding lottery

Figures analysed by the Times have revealed that an ‘unjust postcode lottery' in funding for GP practices is forcing thousands of people to wait to see a doctor.

The figures show a ’93,000-fold variation’ in how much funding surgeries received last year for each person on their books, with the data providing no clear reason why.

For example, one east London practice in Romford was given £1.74 for each of its 2,608 patients last year as it merged with a neighbouring surgery. However, only a mile away a second practice received £188 for each of 3,949 patients.

The is reflective of the nation, with analysis of data from NHS Digital suggesting that 731 practices received more than £200 a patient while 387 received less than £100.

The majority of GP funding arrives through a central formula which sees extra money allocated to GP surgeries with large proportions of elderly patients or those that dispense medicines themselves.

However the mysterious funding system has seen ‘discrepancies build up over time’, with no explanation for the variation.

Approximately, 200 of the 8,000 surgeries in England closed last year as a result of funding, with GPs voicing concerns over the struggle to fulfil millions of extra appointments without the staff available.

Katherine Murphy, chief executive of the Patients Association, said: “There is no excuse for it. In parts of the country some patients will get a fantastic service from GPs but if they live 20 miles down the road the same service doesn’t exist. It’s an unjust system and the way it’s allocated needs to be looked at so that it’s not a postcode lottery.”

NHS England said: “We want to deliver the fairest distribution of funding possible for all GP practices. GP income varies greatly depending on the number of patients, their health needs and the services the practice provides.”