NHS England has allocated £80 million to expand the 'advice and guidance' scheme across England, which is set to launch this month.

Under this new initiative, GPs in England will receive £20 for every patient they do not send to the hospital, aiming to alleviate NHS waiting lists.

Currently, there are 6.24 million patients on the waiting list for 7.4 million appointments, tests, or operations, prompting the government to seek alternative care options.

The initiative is expected to benefit approximately 2 million patients annually, particularly those with common conditions such as ear wax, tinnitus, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

Patients experiencing menopause symptoms will gain access to hormone replacement therapy advice in community facilities, which is part of the broader strategy.

This approach could significantly reduce the wait time for women facing a backlog of 580,000 patients in NHS gynaecological services.

The government's strategy aims to shift healthcare from hospitals to community settings, enhancing efficiency and patient outcomes.

Karin Smyth, the minister for NHS reform, highlighted the importance of local care in minimizing unnecessary hospital visits.

The British Medical Association (BMA) negotiated the £20 payment to better support GPs in managing patient health within the community.

GPs can claim the £20 payment when referring patients for tests or treatments outside of hospital settings, such as to community specialists.

Dr. Katie Bramall-Stainer from the BMA emphasized that this initiative is a vital step toward recognizing the role of GPs and improving patient care delivery.

However, Beccy Baird from the King’s Fund warned that this approach might inadvertently prolong treatment timelines for patients who eventually require hospital care.