Data show more general practice appointments in Bedfordshire, Luton, and Milton Keynes

New figures from NHS England show another big rise in the number of appointments offered at general practices in Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes.

Practices in the region have provided over 4,362,000 appointments so far in 2024, an increase of over 224,000 (5.4%) compared with the previous year.

The most recent data show that between July and September 2024, there were over 1,468,000 appointments made with practices in Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes, compared with 1,401,000 in the same three-month period in 2023, a rise of around 4.8%.

Felicity Cox, chief executive officer of Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes Integrated Care Board, said:

“I am delighted to see the continued growth in the number of appointments available at general practices in Bedfordshire, Luton, and Milton Keynes. “This increase shows the commitment of local practices to addressing the healthcare needs of local people.  By enlarging and diversifying the primary care workforce, such as more pharmacists, paramedics and physiotherapists, practices are able to offer more appointments and ensure that patients see the right professional at the first time of asking.”