Why now, more than ever, nobody has their own GP

Chance of seeing the same doctor falls by more than a quarter since 2012 – in spite of Hunt’s pledge

PATIENTS are less likely than ever before to see the same GP at every appointment, despite Government pledges to improve continuity of care, research has found. Five years ago, ministers pledged to bring back the “personal link” between patients and doctors, promising that all older patients should be given a named doctor.

It followed concerns that large numbers of pensioners were ending up in hospital for lack of proper care from their GP, with vulnerable people seeing a succession of different doctors.

But the study shows the chance of seeing the same GP has fallen by more than a quarter since 2012, with access to the same doctor worst among the elderly. Researchers from the University of Leicester, who tracked every GP practice in England which has more than one doctor, said the sharp decline in the Gp-patient bond was “marked and widespread” across all socioeconomic backgrounds.

They said the findings, published in the British Journal of General Practice, come amid a rise in part-time working by GPS, an increasing number of locum doctors, and a proportion in the amount of NHS spending allocated to primary care. Drawing on data from the GP Patient Survey between 2011-12 and 2016-17, concerning 6,243 GP practices across England, they concluded that: “Relationship continuity of care declined by 27.5 per cent over the period 2012-2017.”

Overall, just 27.2 per cent of all patients were usually able to see the same doctor – a fall from 37.5 per cent in 2012. At the same time, overall satisfaction fell while the number of patients on practice lists rose.

Jeremy Hunt, the Health Secretary, made a pledge in 2013 that elderly people over the age of 75 would have a named, accountable GP to take lead responsibility for the co-ordination of all services.

But researchers said: “The contractual return to a named doctor has, so far, not led to improved continuity.”

Latest figures show the number of hospital admissions is now at a record high, with more than 16million a year, up from 12.7million 10 years before.

Prof Kamila Hawthorne, vice-chairman of the Royal College of GPS, said the findings were “disappointing”. She added: “Continuity of care is at the heart of general practice and is highly valued by both patients and GPS alike – in fact, 80 per cent of UK family doctors say it is one of the most essential components of general practice.

“We also know it can lead to better health outcomes for patients and helps keep the NHS sustainable due to fewer hospital admissions.”

Caroline Abrahams, charity director at Age UK, said: “It’s essential that older people can easily get an appointment to see a GP. They are often the people that most rely on the NHS.”