Susan Anderson, the CBI’s director of public services, said: ‘It is disappointing that so little progress has been made towards addressing the problems patients have in being able to see their GPs at a convenient time.
‘Business cannot afford the 3.5 million working days lost each year to time spent in doctors’ waiting rooms.’
However, BMA chairman Dr Hamish Meldrum said: ‘The report’s conclusion that there has been a dramatic decline in PCTs meeting the GP 48-hour access target is misleading.'
'There has been such significant change in the way the research has been compiled compared with last year that it is impossible to compare the data for the two years in question.'
'The access figures are even more confusing when you consider that a recent survey showed almost 9 out of 10 patients were satisfied that they were able to get an appointment within 48 hours.'
neil.durham@haymarket.com
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