General practice is often described as the cornerstone of the NHS. It’s where most people interact with the healthcare system, where conditions are caught early, and where treatment is often first delivered. But for all its importance, few people realise how little it actually costs the NHS to provide this service—or what it would cost if it were no longer funded by the taxpayer.
The NHS is underfunded and stretched to breaking point. General practice, in particular, is facing mounting pressures. Rising costs, increasing demand, and challenges in recruitment are straining a system that has long been heralded as one of Britain’s greatest achievements. To understand the true value of general practice—and the implications of a world without it—it’s essential to examine the costs, the pressures, and the innovations that are shaping its future.
In the financial year 2024/25, the NHS is projected to spend an average of £155 per patient per year on general practice. That’s the price of ensuring every individual in Britain has access to their GP, who can diagnose illnesses, prescribe medications, manage chronic conditions, and, crucially, provide preventive care.
To put that figure into perspective, £155 barely covers two months of a mid-tier gym membership or a single consultation with a private GP. Yet for this sum, general practice delivers comprehensive care, forming a critical part of a healthcare system that remains the envy of many countries.
The NHS accounts for approximately 12% of UK public spending and 11.9% of GDP—a modest figure compared to other high-income countries like the United States, where healthcare expenditure exceeds 16% of GDP. General practice represents just a small slice of the NHS budget, roughly 7.5%, despite being responsible for handling 90% of patient contacts.
Breaking down the cost per patient reveals where the money goes:
While general practice remains a cost-effective part of the NHS, the pressures it faces are mounting. Demand for GP services has increased dramatically, driven by an ageing population, the rise of chronic illnesses, and the backlog of care exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. At the same time, recruitment and retention challenges have driven up staffing costs, with many surgeries relying on locums to plug gaps in their workforce.
Reception teams, too, are under strain. High call volumes, particularly during the infamous 8am rush, lead to burnout and job dissatisfaction. Staff turnover is a growing problem, and the costs of recruitment, training, and temporary cover are becoming unsustainable for many surgeries.
If the NHS ceased to fund general practice, the cost to patients would skyrocket. In countries like the United States, where healthcare is largely privatised, routine GP visits cost an average of $150–$200 (£120–£160). Prescriptions for common medications can be eye-watering:
For individuals managing chronic conditions or requiring regular medical attention, the costs can quickly become unmanageable. Preventive care, which is a hallmark of NHS general practice, would likely become a luxury for many, leading to worse health outcomes and higher costs for the healthcare system as a whole.
Amid these challenges, innovations in technology offer a glimmer of hope. AI-driven solutions like EMMA from QuantumLoopAi are among the few interventions that are not only improving efficiency but also saving money for GP surgeries.
The results are already being seen in surgeries across the UK. Practices using EMMA report reduced staff burnout, improved patient satisfaction, and, crucially, cost savings that help to offset the rising expenses of general practice.
The NHS is often described as a national treasure—and for good reason. It provides care that is comprehensive, equitable, and, despite its challenges, remarkably cost-effective. General practice, as the gateway to the NHS, plays a vital role in keeping the nation healthy. It catches illnesses early, manages chronic conditions, and provides preventive care that saves lives and money.
But the system is fragile. Underfunding and mounting pressures threaten its sustainability. Without solutions like EMMA to improve efficiency and reduce costs, GP surgeries may struggle to meet demand, jeopardising patient care and the long-term viability of the NHS.
General practice is not just a service; it’s a lifeline. It’s what ensures that care is accessible to everyone, not just those who can afford it. The NHS is one of the things that makes Great Britain great, but it needs our support—both in terms of adequate funding and the adoption of innovative solutions that can keep it running efficiently.
By enabling GPs to work at the top of their license and ensuring patients receive the care they need quickly, solutions like EMMA from QuantumLoopAi are playing a critical role in safeguarding the future of general practice. They are a reminder that, while the challenges may be daunting, there are practical steps we can take to ensure the NHS continues to serve us all.
The cost of losing general practice would be immeasurable. Let’s ensure that never happens.