At last, GPs will have to earn their keep

DAYS after the Mail highlighted the scandal of GP surgeries closing early, Theresa May announces action to keep them open whenever they’re needed.

This is effective government at its best, tackling the overcrowding crisis in A&E departments at its root. And it’s certain that lives will be saved because of it.

In a series of decisive measures, the Prime Minister will make family doctors meet their own pledge to stay open from 8am to 8pm, with no more of the twohour lunch breaks or midweek half-day closing that we exposed on Thursday.

Crucially, GP practices will lose lavish bonuses if they fail to advertise extended opening hours or don’t offer appointments when people want them. They will also be encouraged to let patients book consultations online.

Thus, at a stroke, these proposals should ease the appalling pressure on A&E, which builds up dramatically when surgeries are closed and the sick have nowhere else to turn.

Indeed, official figures show the numbers referred to hospital by the 111 hotline rise by 40 per cent at weekends – while NHS England estimates almost a third of those attending A&E would be better cared for elsewhere in the system. Ever since Labour’s renegotiated contracts offered huge pay rises for working shorter hours, GPs have failed to pull their weight, leaving overworked hospital doctors to shoulder the burden.

After years of hand-wringing and waffle from politicians, Mrs May’s practical proposals should begin to put this right. The Mail is proud of the role we have played in prompting action.