GPs’ workload is hitting treatment

The vast majority of Monklands’ doctors believe rising workloads have affected patient care, according to new findings.

Almost 1000 doctors across the country responded to the British Medical Association (BMA) survey, with more than nine out of 10 saying their workload has impacted quality of care for people.

Only 7 per cent said appointment times are adequate but more than half said they wanted longer consultation times with certain patients, such as people with long-term conditions.

Only four in 10 said all patients need more time with their doctor.

While 44 per cent of doctors put more funding as top priority in improving patient care, more than a third (36 per cent) said increasing the number of GPs should come first.

Alan McDevitt, BMA’s Scottish GP committee chairman, said:“This survey reflects the immense pressure that GPs working across Scotland are currently feeling. “The rising workload is simply unsustainable and something has to change to make general practice in Scotland fit for the future.

“It is essential that the additional £500 million per year promised by the Scottish Government is spent directly on supporting general practice.

“Giving us more time with patients, expanding the GP workforce and supporting the practice-based primary care team will help to ensure the quality of care that our patients receive remains of a high standard.”