New analysis, based on the latest NHS figures, show general practice in Newcastle has delivered 229,240 more appointments in the past year compared to the year before, part of an additional 7 million nationwide.
Figures for June 2025 also show practices nationwide delivered 31.4 million appointments, which is a record for June and nearly a third more than the same period pre-pandemic (a 31.9% increase).
Publishing the data, Labour’s Councillor Adam Walker, Cabinet member for Adult Social Care, Health and Prevention on Newcastle City Council said:
“Labour promised families in Newcastle that we would get our local health service back on its feet and that’s exactly what we are doing. There is a lot more to do, we can’t turn round 14 years of Conservative failure over night, but this boost in local GP appointments shows things are moving in the right direction.
“Those like Nigel Farage who have suggested that we change the funding model of our health service and charge people for access to the NHS are dead wrong. Labour’s ten year plan means hiring more GPs, refurbishing GP surgeries, and cutting red tape to ensure we get millions of additional appointments. That’s the solution, not ending a health service free at the point of delivery. “
The data published comes amid rising national patient satisfaction, with ONS’ experiences of NHS healthcare services in England revealing that 72.4% of people found contacting their GP practice easy – up from 60% less than a year ago (September 2024). Furthermore, 72.9% of people rated their overall GP experience as good, compared with 67.4% last year. The latest GP Patient Survey also shows steady gains in public satisfaction: 53% found it easy to contact their practice by phone (up from 50%), and 49% found the NHS app easy to use – almost double the 25% figure from the previous year.
In addition, Labour has:
- Recruited more than 1,900 GPs
- Invested in refurbishing and renewing more than 1,000 GP surgeries nationwide.
- Set out plans to deliver an NHS fit for the future throughout 10 year plan, with major reforms to GP surgeries to end the 8am scramble, and bring back the family doctor.
Health Minister, Ashley Dalton, said:
“We are on a mission to rebuild our health service and give people better access to care when they need it.
“By cutting red tape, increasing capacity, and helping GPs spend less time filling out paperwork, 7 million additional GP appointments were delivered in the past year – 31.4 million appointments for June alone – meaning more patients getting time with their doctor and spending less time on a waiting list.
“Through our 10 Year Health Plan we are shifting care from hospitals to community. Our Plan for Change will deliver Neighbourhood Health Services that will put GPs at the heart of delivering more personalised, proactive care in local areas when it is more convenient for patients.”