Roundtable summary
Dr Simon Opher MP opened the session by stating that general practice is best when it’s rooted in neighbourhoods.
Stephen Kinnock MP welcomed having a GP as a Member of Parliament.
He thanked RGP and the APPG for highlighting the vital role of GPs as the NHS’s front door, warning that after years of neglect, “the front door is hanging off its hinges.” He stressed that the NHS cannot be fit for the future without GPs, and reaffirmed the government’s commitment shown through recent investment, pay rises, and the first GP contract agreement in four years. Measures to tackle GP unemployment and expand the workforce have seen 2,000 GPs hired under ARRS, with patient experience improving for the first time in years.
Kinnock explained that the 10-year plan aims to make care easier to access, restore continuity, end the 8am scramble, and strengthen integration between primary and secondary care. Reforms include reviewing the Carr-Hill formula, introducing neighbourhood contracts while retaining the partnership model, and embedding multidisciplinary teams. A refreshed workforce plan will ensure the right skills in the right place, supporting the shift from hospital to community care, with GPs driving this transformation.
Dr Katie Bramall-Stainer acknowledged the positive changes and investment since 2024, but warned that structural reform of the NHS is a major challenge. She argued that meaningful change must come through contracts and incremental steps, such as setting minimum investment standards, rather than ambitious but uncertain measures like single neighbourhood contracts.
She highlighted practical concerns, including liabilities under the 1890 Partnership Act, the need for capital to upgrade premises (with 25% of GP estates predating the NHS), and the importance of continuity of care in small practice models. She stressed that the simplest and most politically viable action is to increase GP numbers and appointments. She also raised concerns about the lack of clarity on SNCs and the absence of co-production in the 10-year plan’s development.
Dr Tamara Keith reported that her practice achieved 92% patient satisfaction. GPs in her surgery are fully booked, often seeing over 40 patients a day, while social prescribers had 17 hours of unbooked time despite being mandatory hires. She argued that GPs should have the flexibility to recruit the staff they need and that doctors should not be burdened with supervising other roles. She asked whether the Government would consider reallocating ARRS funding to hire more GPs, increase appointment availability, and address underemployment.
Dr Simon Opher MP noted that just providing more GPs isn’t enough, we need to do more to bring care into the community.
Stephen Kinnock MP emphasised that funding must align with the 10-year plan to deliver the shift of care from hospitals to communities, acknowledging that this requires a significant leap of faith in primary care investment. He noted that thousands of people were consulted in shaping the plan and stressed the importance of transparency to ensure funds are spent on the GPs needed.
Kinnock expressed support for social prescribing and multidisciplinary teams to improve outcomes, but underlined that seeing a doctor remains essential. He wants to embed the multidisciplinary approach while recognising the structural support required. He noted that transparency is key to ensuring every penny goes toward building staffing capacity and hiring effectively.
Dr Kamila Hawthorne highlighted that GPs are often absent from NHS reform documents, reflecting a cultural issue within the NHS. Asked how the Minister will ensure GP voices are heard.
Dr Samira Anane stated that GPs are constrained by PCNs and often siloed, and funding for GPs must be new money. Called for the Carr-Hill review to extend beyond GP systems.
Dr Lisa Harrod-Rothwell questioned how GPs can lead under current structures. Emphasised three principles for innovation: local leadership, time to develop solutions, and alignment of strategy and policy. Warned against top-down approaches and stressed the need for contracts that allow local flexibility while maintaining the clinical role of GPs.
Stephen Kinnock MP: Asked how to give GPs a stronger voice and acknowledged that GPs are often marginalised in planning. Reiterated that neighbourhood health is central to the 10-year plan and clarified the intent to rebuild from the ground up, not impose change from above.
Dr Katie Bramall-Stainer noted that trust-led teams in new integrated care structures often fail to engage with PCNs, making reforms feel imposed rather than collaborative.
Stephen Kinnock MP confirmed financial envelopes are fixed, but argued that digital transformation and productivity gains can stretch resources. Stressed the need to invest in primary care to reflect the shift in care delivery. Agreed with Lisa on GP innovation and admitted the plan is currently too top-down.
Henry Gregg (Pharmacy Association), called for better integration of pharmacy with primary care to improve prevention and community care.
Peter Prinsley MP urged bold but realistic action, warning that GP access is a political emergency. Suggested moving patients from secondary care waiting lists to local neighbourhood services.
Stephen Kinnock MP supported closer GP-pharmacy collaboration, digital integration, and enabling pharmacists to work at the top of their license. Highlighted a 19% uplift in the pharmacy contract and positioned pharmacy as key to community care.
Stephen Kinnock MP’s final remarks were that primary care and secondary care waiting lists should be addressed together. The approach must be bold yet achievable, offering “realistic hope.”
Dr Tamara Keith raised concerns about GPs facing unlimited liability, particularly with the use of AI, which introduces risks such as data breaches for which GPs could be held fully responsible.
Dr Katie Bramall-Stainer emphasised the need for strong regulation of AI, warning that over-reliance on technology risks undermining the personal, continuous care that is central to General Practice.
Ben Coleman MP highlighted that GP representation on Integrated Care Boards (ICBs) is not guaranteed, despite their critical role in delivering local care. Called for stronger GP involvement in decision-making, rather than leaving influence primarily to hospitals and trusts.
Dr Katie Bramall-Stainer questioned how reforms can truly represent a shift to community care if Trusts, rather than GPs, are determining plans. Suggested that Primary Care Networks (PCNs), with their local expertise and system knowledge, should play a leading role in shaping neighbourhood-based care models.
Dr Simon Opher MP summarised two key points to inform the next steps:
Flexibility in Single Neighbourhood Contracts
Single Neighbourhood Contracts must allow flexibility in their design and implementation, as neighbourhoods vary significantly. GPs need the freedom to adapt these contracts to local circumstances to ensure they work effectively.Strengthening the GP Voice
GPs need a stronger voice in decision-making processes, as hospitals currently dominate the system.
Full list of attendees
Stephen Kinnock MP
Simon Opher MP
Peter Prinsley MP
Ben Coleman MP
Lewis Atkinson MP
Baroness Watkins
Dr Katie Bramall-Stainer
Dr Lisa Harrod-Rothwell
Dr Samira Anane
Dr Tamara Keith
Dr Clare Fuller, NHS Confederation
Dr Kamila Hawthorne, RCGP
Dr Harpreet Sood, Access Clinical Advisory Board
Henry Gregg, National Pharmacy Association
Neil Bhayani, National Pharmacy Association
Edward Scully, Department for Health and Social Care
Greg Quinn, BD
Mark Condren, NHS England
Daisy Blench, Professional Standards Authority