Busiest ever July recorded for Kent's GP teams

Usually the summer sees a drop in NHS activity because there are fewer respiratory viruses

GP teams in Kent and Medway had their busiest ever July this year with 960,000 appointments, the NHS says.

NHS Kent and Medway said this number was up 3% on 2024 and nearly a third on the same period pre-Covid.

Earlier in July, a GP patient survey also showed there had been an improvement in patients' overall satisfaction in the county - increasing from 65% in 2023 to 70% in 2025.

Dr Ash Peshen, GP and deputy chief medical officer at NHS Kent and Medway, said: "This is heartening news as I know how hard GP staff have been working to make sure more and more people can have an appointment."

Usually the summer sees a drop in NHS activity because there are fewer respiratory viruses, like the flu.

Dr Peshen added: "It should be remembered that this increase includes appointments with nurses, physiotherapists and other specialists working in general practice, as sometimes it is more appropriate for patients to see them.

"Of course, we know it is not always possible for people to get an appointment with their practice as soon as they would like, but to see more and more people satisfied with their GP practice means I am confident we are on the right track."

Sukh Singh, director of primary and community (out of hospital) care at NHS Kent and Medway, said: "These welcome signs of improvement are down to the efforts of staff in general practice and NHS Kent and Medway as we work together to improve access to GP services in the face of increasing demand."