Labor vows to end GP 'postcode lottery' and promise 15,000 new doctors a year

New analysis finds three-quarters of patients in parts of England are unable to see the doctor of their choice - with just 50 % of them face to face in certain regions

Wes Streeting vowed to "bring the family doctor back" (

Image: Ian Vogler / Daily Mirror)

Labour has promised to end the 'postcode lottery' for GP appointments as figures reveal three-quarters of patients in parts of England cannot see the doctor of their choice.

In some areas, only 50% of nominations are made in person, according to the party's analysis of official figures.

Shadow Health Secretary Wes Streeting said Labor would solve the problem by training 15,000 new doctors a year.

He said the Labor Party would guarantee patients who want in-person appointments if he wins the next general election.

And he pledged to 'bring the family doctor back', citing an NHS review which found that seeing the same GP consistently benefits patients and helps doctors catch serious illnesses earlier .

Mr. Streeting said: "It is best for patients to see the GP who knows their medical history, face-to-face if they wish.

"But patients find it impossible to get an appointment, let alone with the doctor they want, in the way they choose.

In some places, getting a doctor's appointment can take a month. (

Picture:

Wales Online/ Rob Browne)

He added: 'It's no surprise given that the Tories have cut 2,000 GPs since 2015.

"Labour will train 15,000 doctors a year, funded by the abolition of non-dom tax status, so that patients can be seen again on time.

"We will bring back the family doctor and give patients choice in their care."

Around 77% of patients in Fenland, 75% in Gosport and 74% in Solihull see or talk to their preferred GP "sometimes or hardly ever", according to the research.

Almost 40% of people across England said they were only offered a telephone consultation when they wanted an in-person appointment.

In areas such as Slough, Hastings and Eden, only around half of appointments were face-to-face in February.

This is compared to four out of five in Fareha...