Frustration is shared by surgeries

Collapsing under our workloads

BY PROF HELEN STOKES-LAMPARD CHAIR OF ROYAL COLLEGE OF GPs PATIENTS are frustrated at waiting too long for a GP appointment – and it’s extremely frustrating for GPs and our teams, as well.

In the main, patients understand the pressures we are under and that the reason they can’t secure a routine appointment as soon as they’d like, isn’t through lack of trying on our part.

As a profession we are offering more consultations than ever. We have had promises of more funding, so things are looking up – but these need to be delivered if the situation on the ground is going to get better.

In the meantime, patients can help ease pressures with the “3 before GP” mantra.

Before calling, particularly for minor ailments, ask yourself: Can I self-care? Can I use NHS.uk or a similar, UK-based reputable website for health advice? Can I seek advice or treatment from a pharmacist?

And with winter coming, it’s wise to get your flu jab. BY DR RICHARD VAUTREY , GP COMMITTEE CHAIR AT THE BMA

I LOVE my job, but at times it can feel like working in a pressure cooker.

I want to give my patients in Leeds the time they need, but a 10-minute appointment is often totally inadequate – and GPs are collapsing under their workloads.

GPs have to find time for consultations, dealing with test results, checking prescriptions and reviewing clinic letters. If this overruns, waiting lists get longer, we often find ourselves too busy to look after our own wellbeing and it becomes harder to give patients the high-quality care they need.

The BMA is working hard to raise awareness of these pressures – just this week we launched a Mental Wellbeing Charter for doctors – but we need the Government to help us make real changes.

We need more staff to triage and work alongside us and better premises and technology that helps to support care – all of which would help free-up precious time with our patients.