RCGP calls for £2 billion investment to revamp ‘outdated’ infrastructure

The Royal College of GPs (RCGP) has urged the government to allocate at least £2 billion in funding to enhance the ‘outdated’ GP infrastructure, including
IT systems and practice buildings.

The College, representing over 54,000 family doctors in the UK – has warned that GP practice buildings are “falling apart” and this can have a serious impact on
patients’ experience and access to care and services.

In a recent poll of RCGP members, a third of the GPs (30 per cent) reported that their work PC or laptop software is “not fit for purpose”, while 33 per cent
indicated that their practice building is inadequate for providing care for patients.

Additionally, 56 per cent of GPs reported that they could not effectively exchange information with NHS trusts due to fundamental inadequacies in their digital
infrastructure.

RCGP stated: “If GPs are unable to easily share information with hospitals and other secondary care hubs this can lead to disjointed care and a poorer patient
experience.