Number Of Face-To-Face GP Appointments In Leicestershire Still Close To Lockdown Levels

NHS figures have shown that less than two-thirds of GP appointments in Leicestershire are being conducted face-to-face. This is close to the levels which were seen in lockdown.

64% of patients in Leicestershire were seen face-to-face by their GP in August 2021, compared to 61% in January 2021, during the winter lockdown, and 83% in February 2019, before the pandemic hit the UK.

Shortage of face-to-face GP appointments in Leicestershire and the knock-on effect

As a result of the above, it has led to a knock-on impact for other services, such as A&E. Where patients would ordinarily go to see their GP at the outset of a health problem, they are now attending A&E or calling ambulances instead. A&E departments are busier than ever, and ambulance response times are deteriorating as a result.

The figures have been analysed by the Royal College of Emergency Medicine. They found that the lack of access to GPs has been a key factor in the increased pressure on these other services.

The struggle to get a face-to-face appointment could also result in delayed diagnosis for many patients.

Comment

Patient safety is clearly at risk, and there have been many calls for GPs to offer more face-to-face appointments, particularly for the elderly or disabled in communities, who often struggle with remote appointments.

We are heading into the winter months, where demand for services across the board is only going to increase. It is therefore vital that the position with GP appointments is given consideration and changes made to allow patients the access they need to the right services.