GP urges patients to ‘think twice’ before calling surgery
❝ Since the enforced move to telephone consultations, we have seen the demand for appointments rise to a level that we are struggling to meet Dr Karen Prees
A GP working at a practice in Bath has urged people to “think twice” before ringing up for an appointment.
Dr Karen Prees, of Batheaston Medical Centre, made the plea on Facebook last week after seeing a surge in demand from patients.
The doctor added that, despite expanding clinics and taking on more GPS, staff were working longer days than ever and struggling to cope.
She said the current way of working was unsustainable and that the practice would be looking at ways of “reducing the number of appointments” available daily.
Dr Prees’ full post in the Bathampton Community Group said: “Dear Patients of BMC, I am getting in touch to share some of the challenges we are currently facing at Batheaston Medical Centre.
“Since the enforced move to telephone consultations, we have seen the demand for appointments rise to a level that we are struggling to meet.
“Despite employing new GPS and expanding our clinics we are working ever longer days and unable to meet the commitments required of us in addition to patient consultations. This is unsustainable and we are having to look at ways of reducing the number of appointments that we make available each day in order to fulfil other aspects of patient care.”
She went on to urge people to consider their options before reaching for the phone.
“We are asking for your help by doing one simple thing. Before you request a GP telephone consultation, please think twice. Could you wait a few days to see if your symptoms resolve naturally?
“Could you ask a pharmacist for advice? Could you seek advice from the NHS website? If you still feel the need to speak to your GP then do please call, we are fully committed to continuing to provide an exemplary and accessible level of patient care.
“With many thanks and very best wishes, Dr Karen Prees on behalf of the GPS and staff at Batheaston Medical Centre.”
In January, Dr Prees spoke out on Facebook after her surgery was “inundated with calls” from people asking to be bumped up the vaccine list.
At the time she explained that GPS were “not at liberty” to make those decisions and encouraged patients to wait their turn.