More GP appointments after surgery upgrades

Investment in healthcare buildings in Birmingham and the Black Country means that about 380,000 extra GP appointments can be offered each year, a health board has said.

Money from the Primary Care Utilisation and Modernisation Fund saw 63 GP practices and 4 hospital trusts receive upgrades and reconfigurations to their buildings, the Black Country Integrated Care Board (ICB) said.

The programme has delivered 95 additional consulting and clinical rooms, and is expected to support about 380,000 additional GP appointments.

The board said it would help to reduce health inequalities and improve access to care where it is needed most.

It added that the focus on improving and reusing existing NHS buildings, was helping the NHS reduce its carbon footprint.

"This programme shows how investing in existing GP buildings can make a real difference for patients," said Sarb Basi, deputy chief officer of primary care, Birmingham, Black Country and Solihull cluster ICBs.

"Across Birmingham, the Black Country and Solihull, new clinical rooms are helping practices increase appointment capacity and improve access to care.

"It also supports the goals of the 10 Year Health Plan for England by offering more care in the local community rather than hospitals."

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