GP contraceptive services cut as councils target public health budgets

Local councils in England are scaling back GP-run contraceptive and sexual health services under a new wave of cost-saving plans that GP leaders have warned will reduce access for patients and cut off an important funding stream for practices.

A Pulse investigation has found more than 20 local councils so far that are potentially taking away the services from GP practices.

This includes complete closure of GP-run sexual health and contraceptive services in York, while 19 London boroughs are putting services out to tender, which GP leaders warn will mean fewer practices carrying out the services.

Full story in Pulse 10 February 2016