Tories promise to build at least 100 new GP surgeries

More GP surgeries and diagnostic centres would be built under a future Conservative government funded by slashing the number of NHS managers, the Tories have said.

- DAVID LYNCH

In their first major health offer of the general election, the Tories have said they will bring more care services into the community.

Under the plans, the party would build 100 new GP surgeries and modernise a further 150. Areas of the greatest need, especially those with large numbers of new homes, would be the focus of the proposal.

Last year, figures published by the BBC revealed almost 200 GP surgeries had closed between 2018 and 2022.

The Conservatives have also said they would expand the Pharmacy First scheme, launched in England earlier this year, which allows patients to access some simple treatments via their pharmacy without having been to a GP first.

Treatment for more conditions, such as acne and chest infections, would be offered, which the Tories claim would free up 20 million GP appointments in total once fully scaled.