Doctor speaks out over GP appointment struggles

A Worcester doctor has spoken out to reassure frustrated patients struggling to book GP appointments due to the Covid backlog.

NHS bosses in Lancashire and South Cumbria had urged people to be patient when trying to access GP services as surgeries were busier than before the pandemic.

Dr Jason Seewoodhary, GP at Barbourne Medical Centre in Worcester, said the restrictions on NHS services due to Covid-19 throughout the pandemic was having a “profound effect” on GP services but wanted to reassure patients that everything was being done to sort out the issues with appointments.

The number of calls to surgeries are said to have increased significantly in recent months but with coronavirus cases rising and more people mixing due to the relaxing of lockdown rules, GP surgeries are still having to take extra precautions to limit the spread of infections.

“I fully understand and share the frustrations of patients struggling to get a GP appointment,” Dr Seewoodhary said.

“All GPs and healthcare staff are mindful, cognisant and sympathetic of difficulties our patients face in getting through on phone lines, online booking not being accessible and the overall lack of appointments available.

“Every GP I know cares passionately about providing our patients with the best possible care. I’d like to reach out to our community to explain the reasons for these difficulties and reassure them that a lot is being done to address their ideas, concerns and expectations.

“The backlog from NHS service restrictions due to Covid-19 is having a profound effect on GP services.

“Lots of patients have ‘stored up’ a number of symptoms and ailments during the height of the pandemic and are now presenting to GPs with multiple issues, many of which are extremely complicated.

“These patients often require lengthy comprehensive assessments, which will inevitably impact upon appointment availability to others.”

Dr Seewoodhary said further limits are put on the availability of appointments with people living longer and the number of elderly patients with complex chronic diseases also increasing.

“Additionally, the role of the GP has changed,” he added. “Traditionally GPs would only deal with physical and mental health issues. The scope of work GPs are now undertaking has been extended to include dealing with complex social issues, which is very time consuming, and this inevitably impacts upon appointment availability to others.”

A spokesperson from SW Healthcare, South Worcestershire’s GP Federation, said: “There’s no denying that GP services are busy at the moment. Our practices are handling more appointments than before the pandemic, over half of which are now face-to-face, while also working on the rollout of the coronavirus vaccine, which is crucial in helping to get Worcestershire moving again.

“We’ve been implementing new models to improve access—with our Primary Care Networks working with community pharmacists and first-contact physiotherapists to make it easier for patients to access those treatments that don’t necessarily require a visit to their GP.

“But patients can help us by bearing with us as we recover and rebuild after the pandemic—and by thinking carefully about their best route to getting treatment. Those patients who can be treated over the phone, for instance, make it easier for us to see those who need a face-to-face appointment while maintaining social distancing in our surgeries—and those who can book their appointments online free up our lines for those who are only able to speak to us over the phone.

“If you need an appointment, you will get one—but we’d ask patients to continue to support our local NHS services by taking steps like these, which help us to help you.”