People are finding it harder and harder to get an appointment with their GP, says Northumberland Labour

Northumberland Labour says people are finding it harder and harder to get an appointment with their GP.

Deputy leader Liz Simpson said: “In 12 years of Conservative government we’ve seen the health service deteriorate at a time when people have never needed it more.

“In the county, we’re aware from contact with local people just how challenging it can be to see a doctor or nurse in their local practice when they need to.

“If people can’t get to see their doctor, they often end up going to accident and emergency or, even worse, they try to get by at home when they should be getting help.

“A modern rich country should have a health service to go with it. Under Labour waiting times and GP access were being continually improved. It speaks volumes that one of the first things to Tories did when they came into power in 2010 was cut the requirement for GPs to see patients within 48 hours.

“We all know that, if health problems can be spotted early the outcome is much better for the patient and in turn this puts less strain on hospital services. If anything we need more investment in general practice, not less.

“The government is failing in its manifesto pledge to recruit more GPs.

“We pay tribute to our county’s GPs and practice staff who are doing a fantastic job in difficult circumstances but they need more resources to look after people in their local communities.”