More than 1 million GP appointments are now being delivered every month across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight as the NHS marks 1 year since the launch of its national 10 Year Health Plan.
Health leaders say work is already underway locally to shift more care away from hospitals and into communities, while increasing prevention services and improving digital access for patients.
The NHS says the long-term plan focuses on 3 key priorities – moving care from hospitals into community settings, preventing illness before it develops, and making services more joined up through digital technology.
According to NHS Hampshire and Isle of Wight, those changes are already beginning to shape services across the region.
Figures released this week show GP practices are now delivering an average of more than 1 million appointments every month to help meet growing demand.
Community pharmacies are also taking on a greater role through the Pharmacy First scheme, which allows people to access treatment for 7 common conditions without needing a GP appointment.
Between April 2025 and March 2026, more than 110,000 people across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight used the service.
During the same period, pharmacies also carried out more than 90,000 blood pressure checks as part of efforts to improve prevention and early intervention.
NHS Hampshire and Isle of Wight says a major part of the plan moving forward will be the development of ‘neighbourhood health’ services, bringing together NHS teams, councils, social care providers and voluntary organisations to deliver more joined-up support closer to where people live.
The approach is expected to reduce travel, cut hospital visits and improve access to local services.
Residents across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight are now being invited to help shape the next stage of the plans through a public engagement programme taking place this summer across all 44 proposed neighbourhood areas.
An online survey has also been launched to gather feedback from local communities.
Dr Lara Alloway, Chief Medical and Neighbourhood Officer at NHS Hampshire and Isle of Wight, has said:
“We’ve made important progress over the last year, improving access and strengthening support in communities but we know there is much more to do.
“Neighbourhood health is about joined-up care that works better for people.
“It’s closer to home, easier to access, and more focused on prevention.
“We want to hear from you on what’s working well in these key areas, and what could improve to help us shape services for the future.”
Surprise surprise , a bit of ‘spin doctoring’ from the NHS
It’s still a real palaver to see an actual doctor face to face
I wonder how many misdiagnosis’ will occur due to many people being directed away from qualified Doctors?
Lol
Thesedays you can’t get GPs to answer the phone yet
alone get an appointment.
Maybe the 1 million plus figure is a dreamed up figure.