A new GP contract has been announced, backed by a £485 million uplift in government investment.
The announcement brings the total increase in spending on primary care under this government to £1.6 billion in total in two years.
It is hoped the change will improve access to primary care with same-day appointments for urgent cases.
Meanwhile, nearly £300 million of existing funding will be ringfenced and diverted into GP practices as part of plans to recruit additional GPs, or increase sessions undertaken by GPs already hired at the practice.
This is equal to around 1,600 (full-time equivalent) GPs across England.
Experienced GPs will be able to be recruited through the Additional Roles and Reimbursement Scheme (ARRS), rather than just newly qualified doctors.
The new contract will require all patients with urgent needs to have access to a same day GP appointment – so that everyone can get the urgent care they need when they need it.
The changes are all part of the new GP contract for 2026 to 2027 which will come into force from 1 April.
Health Secretary, Wes Streeting Secretary said: "Through this government’s investment and modernisation, we’re fixing the front door to the NHS.
"We’re giving practices the flexibility to hire more GPs, and backing them with extra funding to do so. As a result, many more patients with urgent needs will be able to get an appointment the day they contact their practice.
"Taken together, our changes will help patients stay healthy and out of hospital, whether it’s jabs for children, screening for lung cancer, weight loss support, or continuity of care – we’re backing our GPs to build a healthier nation."
Amanda Doyle, National Director for Primary Care and Community Services, NHS England said: "While GP teams are already delivering over 1.4million appointments every working day, ringfencing £292 million will allow practices to recruit more GPs and strengthen the care they provide.
"We’ve also upgraded thousands of practice phone systems and introduced online request forms, making it easier for people to contact their surgery in a way that suits them, while keeping phone lines free for those who need urgent care."
