Doctors speak about staff shortages, overwhelming demand and abuse received from patients, in latest survey
A third of GPs are stopping routine appointments with it being hardest for patients to get an appointment during “holiday” periods, according to new research.
A survey of more than 400 GP partners carried out by GP magazine Pulse revealed that 30 per cent had stopped booking patients for routine slots at some point between June 2022 and June 2023.
One doctor from Hertfordshire said his practice “reduced routine appointments” during “the holiday time period” and that only two GPs could take annual leave at the same time.
The GP added that they increase appointments with physiotherapists, pharmacists and advanced nurse practitioners so that GPs can focus on “managing on-the-day appointments”.