Lib Dems demand right to see a GP in 7 days as waiting times in Devon spiral

The Lib Dems are demanding the right to see a GP in 7 days as waiting times for a GP appointment in Devon have spiralled since Labour has been in power. 

The call comes as Liberal Democrat analysis reveals that this October, 154,161 patients in Devon waited over a month for a GP appointment. This is a staggering 262% increase from July 2024, when the Labour government took office. 

Steve Darling, Liberal Democrat MP for Torbay, has warned that these delays have resulted in residents across Devon being left to “suffer in silence” whilst putting even more strain on local A&E units.

The Liberal Democrats are campaigning for a GP rescue package. They would introduce a new legal right to see a GP within seven days, or 24 hours if urgent, by recruiting and retaining 8,000 more doctors.

The package would also see a new dedicated fund to open surgeries in areas that have lost GPs or seen new development, and allow people to book a GP appointment 24/7 via 111.

Steve Darling, Liberal Democrat MP for Torbay said: 

“It is a disgrace that 154,161 people in Devon  were forced to wait over a month for a GP appointment. 

“With every delay, someone is forced to suffer in silence, waiting in pain or anxiety, whilst vital symptoms are left unchecked. All this does is put even more pressure on our already stretched A&E services. 

“That is why the Liberal Democrats are calling for the legal right for every patient to see their GP within 7 days, backed by our plan to recruit 8,000 more doctors. People in Torbay  deserve to get the care they need, without needless stress and delay.”