Bringing back family doctors to Blackpool South

I’m proud to welcome Labour’s bold proposals to bring back the family doctor and restore the care patients in Blackpool South deserve. I’ve heard the frustrations of local residents about the struggles they face when trying to book GP appointments. Time and again, I’ve been told how difficult it is to get an appointment, and how vital that first point of contact with the NHS is for them and their families.

Labour’s plans aim to address exactly this. They promise a future where patients won’t have to endure the daily 8am scramble for appointments, especially for those who need ongoing care, such as the elderly or people with long-term conditions. This is about giving people the continuity of care they need, with GPs who know them, who understand their history, and who can provide the personalised care that only a family doctor can.

Under Labour’s proposals, GPs in Blackpool South will be able to spend more time with their patients. By slashing unnecessary red tape and outdated performance targets, we’ll give doctors the flexibility they need to focus on what matters most: patient care. And with the largest boost to GP funding in years – an extra £889 million on top of the existing budget – these reforms will help to ensure that local GPs can provide the high-quality care every patient deserves.

This is part of a much-needed, long-term plan for change within the NHS. The new GP contract for 2025/26, which is currently under consultation with the British Medical Association, is central to this vision. It’s designed to address the serious issues affecting general practice, and I’m delighted to see action being taken to bring the family doctor back into the heart of our communities.

These proposals are also backed by substantial funding for GP services, including a £100 million investment to improve GP estates across England. We’re hiring 1,000 extra GPs, giving practices the resources they need to provide quality care, and ensuring that patients in Blackpool South and across the country can access the support they need without bureaucracy getting in the way.

This is the Labour plan to get the NHS back on its feet, restore trust in general practice, and ensure that the family doctor is there when you need them.