GPS ‘busier than ever’ as Covid and absences bite
GPS from across Bath and North East Somerset have issued an open letter explaining the extreme pressures they are under as they battle staff shortages and rising coronavirus cases.
The letter, signed by the CCG’S three locality clinical leads – including Bath and North East Somerset’s lead Dr Brynn Bird – offers an insight into the increasing demand being seen by front-line GPS and their teams.
The open letter explains how staff absences, rising coronavirus cases and an increase in demand for urgent an emergency care has created the kind of pressure not usually seen outside of winter.
Dr Bird said in a meeting with other healthcare leaders attended by Bath Live on October 7 that GPS are “busier than ever” and facing an “extremely high level of demand” as doctors are seeing lots of mental health problems caused by repeated lockdowns.
The letter published on October 8 says that the GPS are aware that people have been struggling to get through to some practices, which “hasn’t been ideal”.
The clinical leads said: “Our GP practices will always offer appointments, either face to face, or via remote consultation, with the health and care professional most appropriate for a patient’s needs. We know that people have been hugely supportive of us throughout the pandemic, and we truly appreciate this, but it’s important to remember that Covid-19 has not gone away, and we still need your help.”
The GPS have also shared how practices are now working differently, with more consultations happening remotely, either by phone or video call.
These virtual appointments, which are happening alongside those carried out in person, allow clinicians to be more efficient with their time, while also helping to prevent overcrowding in practice waiting rooms.
Local people have been urged to play their part and do whatever they can to support their local NHS at this busy time.
Practical steps include visiting a pharmacy for health advice and information instead of automatically calling a GP practice, and using the NHS 111 service when unsure of where to go for the most appropriate care and treatment.
Other measures people can take to support their own health and wellbeing include having the necessary vaccinations for both Covid19 and flu, as well as investing in a home medicine cabinet containing essential items, such as a digital thermometer, paracetamol and anti-diarrhoea tablets.
Dr Ruth Grabham, medical director, said: “As a clinician, I’m beginning to see more people coming down with non-covid-related conditions as the weather turns colder, but the good thing is that many minor illnesses can be safely managed at home through rest and by already having the recommended items in your medicine cabinet.”
General health advice is available through the NHS app, and at www.nhs.uk
We know that people have been hugely supportive of us throughout the pandemic, but it’s important to remember that Covid-19 has not gone away, and we still need your help GPS’ open letter