article_snippet.sent: So despite election pledges by the Tories and Labour to improve access to GPs appointments, the Tories and Labour argue these promises are unlikely to be achieved within a parliamentary term.
article_snippet.sent: But Labour's previous pledge for all appointments within 48 hours was 'far from being achieved', The BMJ report adds.
article_snippet.sent: David Cameron has promised patients will be able to access GP surgeries between 8am and 8pm seven days a week by 2020 if the Tories are re-elected.
article_snippet.sent: Ed Miliband has guaranteed appointments within 48 hours if Labour are voted in.
article_snippet.sent: But the piece said these pledges may prove unrealistic, adding that the evidence behind these pledges has not been made clear - and the problem with access has not been precisely defined.
article_snippet.sent: The study authors say that despite election pledges by the Tories and Labour (David Cameron and Ed Miliband are pictured, left to right) to improve access to GPs appointments, these promises are unlikely to be achieved within a parliamentary term . '
article_snippet.sent: The aims and rationale of the policies outlined by the Conservative and Labour parties do not seem explicit,' the analysis said. '
article_snippet.sent: But the aims for the NHS and for patients are less clear.'
article_snippet.sent: * Evaluating the extended opening hours pilot scheme carried out by the Tories .
article_snippet.sent: Lead author Thomas Cowling, of Imperial College London, said: 'the Conservative and Labour parties have made bold promises about access to GP services, but the evidence behind the Conservative and Labour parties pledges is lacking. '
article_snippet.sent: The pledges on increases to the GP workforce are very ambitious and unlikely to be met within a parliamentary term.'