Tensions rise over private provider's GP targets

A storm is brewing in the South West as GPs raise alarms over HealthHero’s new out-of-hours performance targets, which link shift allocation to consultation speed and triage outcomes. With demands for 80% of phone cases to be closed without referrals and strict caps on home visits, clinicians argue these targets compromise patient safety and professional integrity. Behind the controversy lies a deeper workforce shift—experienced GPs being sidelined in favour of non-medical practitioners, fuelling fears of a race to the bottom in care standards. While HealthHero defends the policy as efficiency-driven and aligned with NHS goals, many GPs see it as a stark sign of commercial priorities overtaking clinical judgement.

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