DAUK’s GP co-leads attended a fringe event at the Labour Party Conference on general practice access. Dr Sarah Jacques and Dr Steve Taylor ensured GPs were represented and their voices heard in a debate on the future of primary care. The session was hosted by Rebuild General Practice and Cogora Group. It launched a new report by Pulse on GP access. Chaired by Pulse editor-in-chief Jaimie Kaffash, the panel featured Dr Samira Anane, deputy chair of the general practitioners committee (GPC); Dr Lisa Harrod-Rothwell, chief executive of Londonwide LMC; Dr Simon Opher, Labour MP for Stroud and a GP; and Rosie Beacon, research manager and head of health at Re:State. Senior GP leaders including GPC chair Dr Katie Bramall-Stainer; Dr Annie Farrell, a GP Liverpool LMC chair, and incoming Royal College of GPs chair, Dr Victoria Tzortziou-Brown, were also present.
General practice
Discussion focused on the pressures facing general practice, with speakers warning that current contract demands risk undermining continuity of care and patient safety. Dr Anane noted general practice’s strong record of embracing innovation. But she stressed the need for robust safety frameworks before artificial intelligence tools are widely adopted in primary care. Dr Harrod-Rothwell highlighted the irreplaceable human dimension of general practice, warning that ‘AI tools can provide facts but cannot give the full picture of a patient’s physical and mental needs’.
GP access
Ms Beacon suggested patients should not always expect to see a GP. “I don’t need to see a GP if I have a UTI,” she said, arguing that appointments should be reserved for those with more complex needs. Her remarks drew strong pushback from GPs present, including DAUK’s Dr Jacques, who warned that apparently simple symptoms can mask serious conditions. Dr Jacques later challenged Ms Beacon directly on her knowledge of GP skills. She was also challenged on the risks of fragmenting care through schemes such as Pharmacy First, and on the limits of AI in capturing clinical nuance.
Continuity of care
Dr Jacques said: “It was vital for us to be in the room to challenge misconceptions about the role of GPs and to remind policymakers that continuity of care and safety must remain at the heart of general practice. “Engaging in these debates ensures that the frontline voice of GPs is not lost in discussions about future reforms.” Meanwhile, DAUK co-leads also recorded interviews for the Pulse Podcast. They also spoke with newly-elected Green Party leader Zac Polanski about NHS policy, extending an invitation for collaboration on DAUK’s greener NHS campaign. DAUK committee members are all volunteers and campaign on issues facing frontline doctors in their own time. Please support our work by joining DAUK or donating to our GoFundMe.