More and more patients in Milton Keynes and the surrounding area are being seen by GPs – MKFM 106.3FM

New statistics show that more patients in Milton Keynes and the surrounding area are making appointments and seeing their GPs.

New appointment data released by NHS England shows that more than 5,684,000 appointments were provided to GP practices in Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes in 2023/24, a 4.9% increase on the previous year.

The increase was even greater between February and April 2024, with 8% more appointments offered to patients. This means that more than 1,442,000 appointments were available between February and April this year, compared with around 1,334,000 during the same period in 2023.

Despite this good news, more than 20,300 patients (4.5% of all appointments) in Milton Keynes, Bedfordshire and Luton had booked an appointment but failed to turn up.

Felicity Cox, Chief Executive of Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes Integrated Care Board, said: “These new figures show that GPs and their staff are working hard to offer significantly more appointments. These statistics show that we have managed to see over 100,000 more patients than during the same period last year.”

“While new technologies make it easier to see a doctor remotely, we know that some patients do not have the equipment or confidence to use this option.”

Felicity continued: “Primary care is open, but please help us help you by only making an appointment at your practice when you need one and making sure you keep your appointment once you have one.”

“Remember, you will also find it easier to get the advice and treatment you need for many conditions by visiting your local pharmacy, particularly under the new Pharmacy First scheme, which offers access to treatment for a range of minor conditions without having to see a doctor,” concluded Felicity.