Time to bring back the ‘family doctor’

OLDER patients are struggling to see the GP of their choice even though experts say sticking with the same doctor saves lives.

Fewer than four in 10 over-65s are able to sit down with their usual medic when they make an appointment. This is down from six in 10 in 2018.

The figures come from an NHS survey of patients and were revealed by the Liberal Democrats, who will today call for patients over 70 to have access to a GP who knows their history.

Party leader Sir Ed Davey said: “We want to see the return of the family doctor, so patients with long-term care needs see the same GP and don’t have to waste time repeating their details from scratch at every appointment.

“This would provide vital personalised care for those who need it most, helping people lead healthier lives, independently in their own homes wherever possible.”

The new policy would cover the estimated 18.7 million people who are either over 70, have a long-term health condition or both.

A study in 2018 found people who had kept the same GP for more than 15 years had a 25 per cent lower chance of dying than those with a doctor-patient relationship lasting a year or less.

Chancellor Jeremy Hunt, a former Health Secretary, expressed concern about what he called the “Uberisation” of GP services in 2022 when he was chair of the Commons Health Committee.

The NHS survey also found 55 per cent of over-65s say it is easy to get through to their surgery on the phone, down from 78 per cent.

But satisfaction remains high despite the obstacles – with 80 per cent of older people saying their overall experience of their GP practice is “good”. The figure for 2018 was 91 per cent.

In a bid to make it easier to obtain an appointment and end the “8am rush” of patient calls, the Government has funded the introduction of digital phone systems in surgeries.

Ministers announced last month that “almost every” practice now has a digital system putting an end to engaged tones.

Receptionists also received extra training to ensure people who need to see their family doctor are prioritised.

Those who would benefit from an appointment with other staff, such as physiotherapists or mental health specialists, can do so more quickly.

‘Patients waste time repeating details’