Health Secretary told of GP row
AROSS EN DALE councillor has written to Health Secretary Savid Javid with concerns regarding the difficulty of getting a doctors’ appointment.
Coun Alan Neal said more than 150 Whitworth residents had contacted him over the issue - and he has been unable to see a GP himself.
In the letter, he said: “Every single GP surgery across the whole country now operates the same system of contacting them at 8am, but given every single GP’s surgery across the country only has one telephone number, then people have more chance of speaking with the Queen than trying to make an appointment.”
Coun Neal said: “When you do get through, at 9.30am, the receptionist says there are no appointments left. It’s nonsensical and it’s dangerous. I know residents who have been diagnosed with cancer and they haven’t been able to get an appointment to see a GP. This is why I have taken the step of emailing the Health Secretary. We are building all these houses, but people can’t get in to see their GP. What is that about and what are GPs doing? They have washed their hands of seeing people. There is something seriously wrong.”
East Lancashire CCG said they were aware that some patients have been experiencing difficulties in contacting GP practices by phone and apologised on behalf of affected surgeries. A spokesperson said: “CCG colleagues have been working hard to support GP practices and the telephony provider to resolve the issues and a replacement system has now been put in place, despite delays caused by Covid-19. It does appear that the new system is now stabilising following the migration, although there have been a few teething problems. GP practices in Pennine Lancashire have provided a high quality service throughout the Covid-19 pandemic and their dedicated staff continue to work extremely hard.”
A Rochdale CCG spokesman said: “GPs in Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale have continued to provide health services throughout the coronavirus pandemic and adapted their ways of working to keep patients and staff safe in line with national guidance. This has involved more triaging of patient’s needs and a greater use of telephone and video calls for consultations. Where needed, local doctors have and will continue to have face-to-face consultations in order to care for their patients. Online services for booking appointments at GP practices are normally available, however in line with the current national triaging system during the pandemic this has not been in place as, for safety reasons, there needs to be some assessment of whether a face to face appointment is required.
“Patients can still use this service to order repeat prescriptions. As ever the CCG’s Patient Services team are available should any local patents be experiencing problems or issues with their care.”