Waiting times for seeing a GP are getting better, the health secretary has claimed.

Speaking on Thursday John Reid said that patients now have better access to a GP than ever before.

He claimed nine out of 10 people can now see a GP within two days.

But he warned that the public still have the perception that this is not often the case.

In a speech to the NHS Alliance, the health secretary said most GPs were able to offer appointments within 48 hours and operate a pre-booked appointment system.

"Some patients don't believe it's getting easier to see their GP. If practices prevent patients from pre-booking appointments, they are not delivering the patient centred-service NHS patients are entitled to expect and demand," he said.

"Yet most GPs are able to offer appointments within 48 hours and operate a pre-booked appointment system."

Reid used his speech to outline how he wants the NHS to change.

He called for a wider range of services with a greater focus on parent choice and quality.

"If we seek to fashion a health service fair to all, and yet personal to each of us, then it is in primary care that we can deliver this," Reid said.