CONCERNS over universal access to GPs were raised by campaigners today after a study revealed a county had one in 11 appointments taking longer than 28 days to happen.

A worrying 8.59 per cent of patients had to wait at least four weeks for an appointment within NHS Gloucestershire Integrated Care Board (ICB), research by GuardianCarers.co.uk found.

The rate was almost eight times higher than that in NHS North Central London ICB’s at 1.16 per cent.

Keep Our NHS Public co-chair Dr Tony O’Sullivan said: “Universal access to a GP is the cornerstone of the NHS. 

“Extra investment in primary care, GPs and community teams is urgent. 

“Of deep concern are government intentions to contract with private finance to build neighbourhood centres over 10 years, to contract with private health providers in primary care and to shift funding from hospitals and A&Es in crisis to community, when both are essential for good and safe healthcare.”