The 2026/27 contract requires requests identified as clinically urgent, as determined by the GP practice, must be dealt with on the same day. This is intended to support timely access to care for patients where delay may result in harm or deterioration. Guidance has been published to support practices in recording same day appointments for all clinically urgent patients as well as a national category mapping quick guide. Further guidance is also now available through a frequently asked questions guide available on FutureNHS (log-in required).
Mapping guide – https://digital.nhs.uk/dashboards/gp-appointments-data-dashboard/national-category-mapping-guide
