Lives are being lost by GPS’ reluctance to give face-to-face consultations

sir – I came out of retirement to work full-time as a GP in mid-march. It soon became apparent to me that nearly all of my colleagues were very reluctant to do face-to-face consultations or visits, many not doing any at all.

As a direct consequence, lives have been lost. This is a national disgrace. Dr Gregory Tanner

Middlezoy, Somerset

sir – I was outraged by Clive Hilton (Letters, October 5) suggesting doctors had time on their hands to write letters. Like all other groups, they have the right to defend themselves against the recent spate of accusations.

Most GP surgeries have adapted well and continue to offer a face-to-face service if deemed appropriate. Mine has excellent triage, as do others I am aware of.

Cllr Alan Law

Streatley, Berkshire

sir – Anyone who thinks GPS’ surgeries are “open” is badly mistaken. I went today to drop in a prescription, as I do regularly for my partner. For the third time since lockdown I witnessed patients being forced to queue outside, two people in the cold and pouring rain. Last time there was an elderly gentleman using two sticks in a queue.

The surgery is modern, large and airy. Waiting areas are huge. Why are sick people being treated in such a disgraceful way?

Karen Gwynn

Bromsgrove, Worcestershire

sir – You often publish letters from doctors saying that surgeries are “open”. In common with many people who are deaf or hearing impaired, I can’t use the phone. So phone consultations are not helpful to me.

Many GP practices don’t acknowledge emails, so there is no way of contacting them other than visiting the surgery or writing a letter.

This appears to be in breach of the Equality Act and the NHS Accessible Information Standard.

Susan Bright

Twickenham, Middlesex sir – I was prepared for my husband and myself to die from Covid. Pandemics take out the old; the young and vigorous should carry on.

But I was not prepared for watching my husband suffer for months with no treatment. The NHS has wilfully neglected him and continues to do so. Elizabeth Bellamy

Cleethorpes, Lincolnshire

sir – I am quarantined at present. Needing a new prescription I telephoned my GP surgery, and was abruptly told that they did not talk about prescriptions over the phone, and that I should contact 111. This I did, and, after a very long wait, was told that 111 only deals with emergency prescriptions. I was referred back to my surgery.

Reluctantly, I contacted a friend, who called – breaking quarantine – and took my repeat prescription request in for me. It was ridiculous, but I offer no apologies.

Jacqueline Davies

Faversham, Kent