A major NHS reform in England is gaining momentum as the government rolls out an expanded Advice and Guidance scheme, designed to speed up patient care and relieve pressure on overwhelmed hospitals.
Backed by £80 million in funding, the initiative enables general practitioners (GPs) to work closely with hospital specialists to provide patients with faster, community-based care—without the need to join lengthy hospital waiting lists.
The scheme aims to help 2 million patients by 2026 with quicker diagnoses and treatments for common conditions such as IBS, menopause symptoms, and ear infections.
How the Scheme Works
Instead of automatically referring patients to hospitals, GPs can now consult specialists for advice on treatment options. This not only accelerates access to expert care but also reduces the number of unnecessary hospital visits.
Patients can be directed to local treatment hubs or community services for issues like earwax removal or hormone therapy consultations, bypassing months of waiting for a specialist appointment.
GP practices can claim funding every time they use the scheme to divert treatment from hospitals to the community.
Impact So Far and What’s Next
Between July and December 2024, the program successfully diverted 660,000 patient cases away from hospitals, the government reported.
Health Minister Karin Smyth praised the scheme as an example of “rewiring the NHS,” saying it “saves time and reduces pressure on key NHS services.”
The government has set an ambitious goal for 92% of NHS patients to wait less than 18 weeks from GP referral to consultant treatment by the end of the current Parliament.
Reactions from Healthcare Leaders
- The British Medical Association (BMA) welcomed the initiative, calling it a “small but important step” toward supporting general practice. However, the BMA emphasized the need for a new GP contract to secure the future of local care.
- National Voices, a coalition of health charities, stressed the importance of offering real choice to patients and clearly communicating how the scheme works.
A Step Toward Reviving the Family Doctor Model
With 1,500 new GPs hired and a visible cut of 219,000 from NHS waiting lists since July, the initiative signals a broader shift back toward personalized, community-based care.
“This is just the beginning,” said Smyth. “We’re determined to reverse years of neglect and make the NHS work better for everyone.”
The Advice and Guidance scheme could be the key to ensuring that primary care once again becomes the backbone of the NHS.
