Debate ranged across access and the capacity:demand mismatch, through safety, technology and AI with Dr Harrod-Rothwell representing Londonwide LMCs and London general practice alongside the Executive Editor of Pulse magazine, Jaimie Kaffash, GPC England Vice Chair Dr Samira Anane, Dr Simon Opher MP, and Rosie Beacon, Head of Health at Re:State (formerly Reform Think Tank).
The Pulse write-up of the event is here and our live posts on X (formerly Twitter) covering some of what was said are here. The Pulse report on access that was launched at the event can be viewed here.
The panel discussed the impact of AI on general practice and where the Government’s 10 Year Plan gets it right – and where it gets it wrong. And Pulse/ Cogora published a lengthy and statistic filled report analysing the current narrative around access and general practice.
With recent changes to the Department of Health and Social Care Ministerial team, and further work around the impact of INTs, plans to revise and reallocate funding with changes to the Carr-Hill formula, and anticipated contract changes as we near the April 2026 renewal date, this year’s party conference season was an important opportunity to engage with politicians at all levels, and speak to journalists and think tanks about the reality of general practice in the Capital and to reinforce the message that general practice must be at the heart of the Government’s plans to rebuild the NHS.
Note: Londonwide LMCs is an a-political organisation but has historically engaged with MPs and governments of all stripes on health policy relating to general practice. Over 85% of London MPs are eligible to attend the Labour Party Conference.