Access to a primary care professional (PCP)

Percentage of patients able to be offered a routine appointment to see a primary care professional within one working day

Rationale

The NHS Plan states that by 2004, patients will be able to see a primary care professional within 24 hours and a GP within 48 hours. In future, all practices will be required to guarantee this level of access for their patients, whether by providing the service themselves, or by entering into an arrangement with another practice, or by the introduction of further NHS walk-in centres or other walk-in services. 90% was the milestone target for March 2003, 100% delivery of the target is due from December 2004 onwards. If the nurse is not available, then an appointment with the GP counts.

Thresholds

Legend
Achieved		90% or more
Underachieved	-	Greater than or equal to 85% and less than 90%
Significantly underachieved	x	Less than 85%