A recent study showcases the varied performance of GP surgeries in the UK, with significant disparities in appointment waiting times and accessibility, prompting calls for urgent healthcare system reforms.
A recent study has highlighted the varied performance of GP surgeries across the UK, illustrating disparities in healthcare accessibility. Based on data collected from over 6,200 GP practices in February, the survey assessed key performance indicators including appointment waiting times and the proportion of face-to-face consultations. The findings revealed that 67% of appointments were conducted in person, and 44% of patients were seen on the same day they booked. However, the average wait time for an appointment ranged from two to seven days.
Despite these figures, NHS England’s January statistics pointed to a more concerning issue, with one in six patients waiting at least two weeks for a GP appointment. Dr. Amanda Doyle of NHS England recognized the hard work of GPs in striving to meet healthcare targets and reiterated the organization’s dedication to improving services. Primary Care Minister Andrea Leadsom vowed to reform the healthcare system to enhance patient access.
The survey prompted political reaction, with Liberal Democrats leader Ed Davey highlighting the impact of appointment delays on patients. Davey stressed the importance of urgently improving GP accessibility to alleviate the stress and pain experienced by many due to long waits. The government’s primary care recovery plan aims to address these challenges, with a commitment to surpassing appointment targets and ensuring efficient healthcare services for all NHS users.
