In the health news

Last year, the RCGP’s press team secured almost 20,000 media hits across print, broadcast and online outlets. The College regularly features in the news to be the voice for general practice on issues that matter to members, including GP workload and workforce, health inequalities and preventive health. We’re frequently quoted in articles covering wide-ranging clinical, health policy and wider societal issues. In the health news’ is our regular round-up of media coverage featuring the College and its spokespeople, and will be updated on a weekly basis.

27 June 2025

GP funding formula

The College’s response to the Government’s commitment to review the funding formula for general practice to direct more funding to areas of greater deprivation was covered by Mail Online, The i Paper, The Standard, Independent, LBC Online, GPonline and a range of regional publications.

Our response welcomed the move from the Government – as it’s something the College has long been calling for - and reiterated the need for funding to follow patient demand as part of the Government's aspiration to shift more care into the community. You can read our full response.

The announcement cited College research from last October at its Annual Conference that found GPs in deprived areas are responsible for over 300 more patients than those in more affluent areas, it was covered by The Times, Sky News, The Telegraph, Mirror and Pulse. Broadcast channels - including LBC, Channel 5's Jeremy Vine Show and a range of commercial radio stations - also referenced the College's findings.

GP IT

We featured in Pulse, GPonline and Healthcare Leader responding to an approval by NHS England for a new IT system in general practice. Our statement recognised that a move towards new tech is positive but cautioned that the safety of patient data must be top priority and that there must be dedicated support for practices looking to transition. You can read our full response.

Scottish GP underfunding

Chair of RCGP Scotland Dr Chris Provan featured in Pulse responding to the decision taken by the Scottish BMA to move into a 'formal dispute' with the Government over underfunding. Chris' statement recognised the strength of feeling among GPs but stressed that it is not for RCGP Scotland to get involved with contract disputes. You can read the full statement.

Veteran Friendly Practice scheme

Promotion of the College's Veteran Friendly Practice scheme featured in a range of Cambridgeshire based regional newspapers, encouraging veterans to approach accredited practices for support and healthcare.

24 June 2025

Weight-loss jabs

As of yesterday, patients who fit certain clinical criteria can be prescribed weight loss drugs in general practice as part of a phased roll-out by NHS England. College Chair Kamila Hawthorne discussed the roll-out and its likely impact on GPs and patients as part of the BBC’s package shown on BBC Breakfast and throughout the day. She also appeared on Sky News, BBC Radio 4's Today Programme (1:52:30), Times Radio (02:24:20) and was interviewed for ITV News and Channel 5 News. Medical Director of Clinical Policy, Adrian Hayter, also discussed the rollout with LBC News (02:23:30).

Our response to Press Association featured in The Times, the Express, The Telegraph, The Standard, The Mirror, Sky News, The Independent, The i paper, Metro, Daily Mail, The Sun, BBC Online, LBC News online, ITV News, The Guardian and a range of regional publications. It was also cited in news bulletin by Sky News Breakfast, Sky News Radio, BBC Radio 2, BBC Radio 5 Live, BBC Radio 6 Music and a wide range of BBC and commercial radio services.

In total, the College has had more than 600 media hits associated with this story. You can read our full response in our news section.

GP pressures

The College featured in a Pulse story on GPs’ dissatisfaction with the Government’s approach to general practice. Kamila recognised the frustration amongst the profession and pointed to the 10 Year Health Plan and Long-Term Workforce Plan as opportunities for the Government to address this.

We featured in a story by The Telegraph on the difficulties some patients face in getting access to an appointment. The comment explained the demands facing GPs due to growing workloads which outstrip workforce capacity.

Patient perceptions of GPs

We secured coverage in Pulse responding to a survey from an accountancy firm which suggested that the majority of patients felt that their GP did not work hard enough. Our response cited the enormous workload on GPs, the long working hours and the need for more GPs to improve patient access.

Domestic abuse

The College was cited in The Guardian responding to a report from a domestic abuse charity – Standing Together Against Domestic Abuse - claiming that the NHS was failing patients by not training staff to spot the signs of abuse and act accordingly.

Assisted dying

The College's response to the vote by MPs on the third reading of the Terminally Ill Adults Bill was covered by i news and cited by Sky News and BBC radio services - highlighting our call that any assisted dying service must sit outside of core general practice.