Patients across Glastonbury and Somerton are facing increasing difficulties accessing GP appointments, as new figures reveal a record 20.5 million waits of 28 days or longer across England last year – a 60% rise since 2018.

The latest data highlights a 16.3% jump in the number of patients waiting four weeks or more for an appointment in 2023 alone.

Concerns are growing that lengthy delays are pushing more people into already overstretched A&E departments, with analysis by the Institute for Public Policy Research suggesting that one in eight of those unable to see a GP end up at emergency services instead.

Somerton and Frome MP Sarah Dyke has condemned the Government's handling of the crisis, arguing that patients across the region are struggling to access healthcare when they need it.

"These figures are a damning indictment of the previous Conservative Government's neglect and underfunding of our NHS," she said.

"As a result of their callous disregard for our health service, patients across Glastonbury and Somerton are finding it harder than ever to see a GP, forcing many to turn to already overstretched A&E departments instead. This is completely unacceptable, and Labour must now take drastic action to address the situation.

"We cannot allow these endless delays to become the new normal. The Government must commit to a legal right for patients to see their GP within seven days, ensuring everyone can access the care they need without unnecessary suffering and stress."

The Liberal Democrats have been vocal in their demand for a legal guarantee that all patients can secure a GP appointment within a week, with urgent cases seen within 24 hours. They argue that ministers have failed to take decisive action, leading to what they describe as a "managed decline" of the NHS.

Sarah Dyke has repeatedly raised concerns in Parliament, pushing for greater investment in rural health services, including improved funding for Musgrove Park Hospital, and addressing ambulance response times, which she says are "shockingly high" in Somerset.

She has also secured a parliamentary debate on ambulance wait times on 6 March, where she plans to challenge the Government on its handling of NHS pressures.

"The Government has failed to properly invest in frontline services, and to tackle the disgraceful state of NHS services and infrastructure. Unfortunately, people are bearing the brunt of that failure, especially in rural areas," Ms Dyke said.

"Patients must be able to see their primary care providers in a timely manner – it's that simple. Otherwise, the costs to public health will be devastating. I will continue to fight for the people of Glastonbury and Somerton to get the healthcare they deserve."