New statistics show more patients are being seen in our general practices

New statistics show more patients are being seen in our general practices image

Home » New statistics show more patients are being seen in our general practices

New data on appointments, published by NHS England, show that general practices in Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes offered over 5,684,000 appointments during the year 2023/24, an increase of 4.9% on the previous year.

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

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

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

“These new figures show that GPs and their staff are working incredibly hard to offer many more appointments.  These statistics show that we’ve been able to see over 100,000 more patients than in the same period last year.

“Although new technology makes it easier to see a health professional remotely, we know that there are some patients who don’t have the equipment or confidence to be able to take up this option.

“Primary care is open for business but please help us to help you, by making an appointment at your practice only if you need it and by making sure you keep it once you’re booked in.

“Remember, too, that it may be easier to access the advice and treatment you need for many illnesses by visiting your local pharmacy, especially with the new Pharmacy First scheme which offers access to treatments for a range of minor illnesses without the need to see your doctor.”

View all news

Latest news and highlights

News

7 March 2025

Local care homes embrace technology to help manage their residents’ pain

In a new video from the Digitising Social Care programme at Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes Health and Care Partnership, local care home staff explain…

News

7 March 2025

Celebrating International Women’s Day by honouring female leaders and their remarkable contributions

In a series of webinars celebrating International Women’s Day (08 March), Bedfordshire, Luton, and Milton Keynes Integrated Care Board this week highlighted the invaluable contributions…

News

4 March 2025

Empowering women to know the signs and get checked for ovarian cancer

As part of Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month (March 2025), a senior doctor is urging women in Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes to be understand the signs of ovarian cancer. With…

News

28 February 2025

Local NHS waiting lists fall, new figures show

The number of people waiting for NHS treatment in Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes has fallen, new figures show. The data – published by NHS England – reveal that the…

News

27 February 2025

Thousands more emergency dental appointments to be made available in Bedfordshire, Luton…

Thousands of patients in Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes will soon enjoy greater access to urgent and emergency dental care, following a Government announcement. Over 6,000 extra appointments will be…

Case Study

26 February 2025

Remote monitoring toolkit reassures care home staff, managers, residents, and their families

Claire Croucher runs two care homes for Precious Homes in Milton Keynes. Both sites care for adults with learning difficulties and autism, and have been using Whzan since 2021. Claire…