GP appointments drop amid COVID-19 crisis
APPOINTMENTS at GPs in Huddersfield dropped by three-quarters as measures to prevent the spread of coronavirus came into effect.
The drop in face-to-face appointments has fallen by 73%, from 61,702 between March 2 and 8 to 16,733 between March 23 and 29, the week following lockdown.
Overall, including telephone and video consultation. the fall was about a fifth, from 70,359 appointments to 56,343.
The figures have been published amid a reminder from Kirklees’ health chiefs for people to continue to seek health care if they need it.
The Royal College of GPs has said the decline in appointments was concerning and could lead to serious consequences with some developing more acute conditions.
There have also been fears that people are delaying investigations for cancer and other urgent conditions.
Hospitals have been warned by NHS England that they could face a rebound as thousands of patients who put off emergency care flood in when lockdown is released.
Kirklees GPs have urged people to not believe they are being a burden on the NHS.
Skelmanthorpe GP Dr Steve Ollerton, chairman of Greater Huddersfield CCG, said; “We’re still here to help. If you have concerns about a medical condition or need advice you should contact your local GP practice as soon as possible.
“A delay in treatment can pose a risk to longer term health, so please don’t put it off.”
Many GP appointments are now being delivered by phone or video, but face-to-face appointments and home visits are still available for those who need them.
Some people may be offered an appointment at a different GP surgery to the one they would normally attend.
Dr David Kelly, GP and chairman of North Kirklees CCG, added: “There’s no need to avoid contacting your GP surgery. The Covid-19 crisis means we’re working in a different way and using telephone or video consultations where possible, but we are still very much here for you.”
People are being urged to contact their GP practices, particularly if they have concerns about an existing condition, or have any cancer symptoms – such as a lump in their breast, changes in bowel habits, blood in their urine or stools, unexplained weight loss, moles that appear to change or a cough lasting for three weeks or more.
Parents are also reminded of the importance of booking routine immunisations appointments for their children.
These are still being delivered to help protect children against a range of potentially serious infections.
All GP practices will be open on the early May bank holiday – Friday, May 8.
If you need medical help on Saturday or Sunday, call your own surgery or NHS 111 for details of the GP outof-hours service.