Consultation response

Health and Social Care Committee’s inquiry into the future of general practice in Wales: Welsh NHS Confederation response

The Welsh NHS Confederation welcomes the opportunity to respond to the Health and Social Care Committee’s inquiry into the future of general practice.

1 April 2025

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Key points

  • General practice stands as the cornerstone of the National Health Service, handling a significantly larger patient volume than any other sector. Consequently, the failure of general practice would precipitate a systemic collapse of the entire NHS. 

  • General practice faces significant challenges, including patient dissatisfaction with access, demand management, and trust. Demand outstrips capacity, particularly in deprived areas, leading to appointment shortages and perceived quality decline. 

  • Escalating demand, driven by factors like an ageing population and increased co-morbidity, strains GP services. Initiatives like Primary Choice are insufficient to address this surge. To alleviate pressures, our members suggest promoting self-care, leveraging digital technologies for chronic condition management, and exploring AI for data processing are crucial.

  • Furthermore, public trust is eroded by misconceptions about multi-disciplinary teams and triage systems, leading to frustration and inappropriate service utilisation. The decline of the named GP system further diminishes personalised care. 

  • Ultimately, to improve general practice, our members advocate for reforms in funding, service models, digital integration, workforce planning, and patient communication. A shift towards preventative care, addressing health inequalities, and empowering patient participation, including mandating Patient Participation Groups, are vital for a sustainable and effective healthcare system.