Broken GP system

SIR – The recent survey showing high levels of discontent with GP services comes as no surprise.

On the other side of the fence, the medical journals I receive are full of stories of stressed GPs and a looming crisis of early retirement. General practice has got itself into a mess.

It is not surprising that GPs feel stressed. Telephone consulting, and spending up to 12 hours a day in front of a computer screen, are exhausting. Why does the profession choose to shy away from face-to-face interaction? Is there still a fear of Covid?

Perhaps we are seeing the death throes of the traditional relationship between patients and “their” GP. If so, it will be regretted.

Dr Robert Walker FRCPE Workington, Cumbria