New data from NHS England have shown a significant increase in the availability of general practice appointments for patients across Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes between September and November 2024.
The figures show that a total of 1,669,754 appointments were made, an increase of 10.4% in appointments compared to 1,512,742 during the same period in 2023. The statistics show that same-day appointments now account for 39% of those being booked.
Nicky Poulain, chief primary care officer at Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes Integrated Care Board, said:
“We are thrilled to see the increase in the availability of GP appointments for BLMK residents. This progress reflects our continuous efforts to enhance healthcare access and ensure that our community receives timely and high-quality medical care. Our dedicated teams remain committed to addressing patient needs and improving overall health outcomes for everyone across the region.”
The NHS App allows patients at many local practices to make appointments, meaning they don’t need to call up to book. The NHS App is available for both Apple and Android phones, and more information is available on the NHS website about the services it offers.
