A new UK government scheme aims to reduce hospital waiting lists by providing faster and more convenient care in local communities, backed by £80m of funding.
The UK government has announced a significant expansion of its ‘Advice and Guidance’ scheme, aimed at supporting general practitioners (GPs) in providing care and advice to patients that avoids hospital referrals. Backed by £80m of funding, the scheme aims to help two million people receive faster and more convenient care in their local community by the end of 2025/26.
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How it Works
The expanded scheme links GPs and hospital specialists before patients are referred onto waiting lists, allowing for tests and treatments to be offered in the most convenient place. For example, patients with ‘tinnitus‘ and needing ear wax removal can now receive assistance outside hospitals, rather than being referred to specialists. Similarly, women requiring advice on types of HRT can be treated in local hubs, reducing the need for hospital visits.
Previous Successes
Between July and December 2024, the scheme diverted 660,000 treatments from hospitals into the community, according to the government. This success has been part of a broader effort to cut long NHS waiting lists and create extra appointments for patients. The government has pledged that 92% of NHS patients will be waiting less than 18 weeks for treatment after referral to a consultant by the end of this parliament.
GP Practices and Funding
GP practices can claim for each time they use the scheme to shift care from hospital to the community, incentivizing them to adopt the new approach. Health Minister Karen Smyth has stated that the government is ‘rewiring the NHS’ and doing things differently. She believes that the ‘Advice and Guidance’ scheme is a perfect example of how patients are being saved time and pressure on key services.
Charity Response
National Voices, which represents health charities in England, has welcomed the expansion of the scheme but emphasized the need for ‘real choice’ to be offered to patients about what the best treatment routes are. Director of policy Sharon Brennan noted that strong communication is essential to ensure patients understand the service and its implications for care.
Medical Association Response
The British Medical Association has expressed support for the scheme, recognizing the importance of GPs in delivering enhanced care to patients in the community. The association acknowledges the need for a new GP contract to safeguard family GP services for the future, which it hopes will be negotiated within this parliament.
