New GP contract for 2026/2027 published

The Government has now published the new GP contract for 2026/27, and it includes several new commitments about access to primary care. For the first time, Healthwatch England was formally consulted during the development of the contract, ensuring people’s experiences were heard early in the process, not just after decisions were made.

Drawing on what people across the country have told local Healthwatch, their response welcomes several steps in the right direction:

• Quicker access to appointments when they are really needed, supported by plans to recruit more GPs so urgent needs can be handled sooner.
• More reliable access to online booking, helping reduce the frustrations people face when systems are unavailable.
• Ending the merry-go-round of patients being asked to call back to book an appointment.
• Better information about how and when you can get in touch with your GP.