Survey reveals that 91% of GPs claim workloads are affecting patient care

More than 90% of GPs in Scotland think their “rising” workloads have hit patient care, according to a new survey.

A total of 900 GPs in Scotland responded to a British Medical Association (BMA) survey and 91%, said their workload has had a negative impact on the quality of care given to patients.

Just 7% said patient consultation times are adequate.

More than half, 53%, wanted longer consultations for certain groups of patients, such as those with long-term conditions, while four in 10 said all patients need more time with their GP.

Almost half of respondents, 44%, ranked more funding as the top priority which would help them do their jobs while more than a third, 36%, said increasing the numbers of GPs should take top billing and 18% said the highest priority should be longer consultation times.

Dr Alan McDevitt, BMA’s Scottish GP committee chairman, said: “This survey reflects the immense pressure that GPs working across Scotland are currently feeling.

“The rising workload is simply unsustainable and something has to change to make general practice in Scotland fit for the future.

“It is essential that the additional £500 million per year promised by the Scottish Government is spent directly on supporting general practice.

“Giving us more time with patients, expanding the GP workforce and supporting the practice-based primary care team will help to ensure the quality of care that our patients receive remains of a high standard.”

Dr Alan McDevitt says the ‘rising workload is simply unsustainable’.