The Crisis in General Practice: Understanding 'Why Can't I See My GP?'

The Doctors' Association UK recently sent a new book titled 'Why Can't I See My GP - The past, present and future of general practice' to every Member of Parliament and chairs of NHS integrated care boards. This book, penned by Dr. Ellen Welch, a practicing GP and co-chair of the Doctors’ Association UK, aims to shed light on the current issues plaguing general practice in the UK and proposes actionable solutions to overcome them.

The Current State of General Practice

Dr. Welch's book paints a grim picture of the current state of general practice in England, highlighting a significant increase in workload alongside decreased funding and staffing. This dire situation is further exacerbated by the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, with the strain on the primary care service palpable. The book includes views from other GPs who express similar concerns about poor care and inadequate staffing in their practices.

According to Dr. Welch, 1 in 20 patients in England waits at least four weeks for an appointment, and 28% of Britons are going without medical help due to the difficulty in securing an appointment. Long waiting times and appointment availability issues are causing significant challenges for patients trying to access general practitioners. This situation is leading to increased workload and burnout among GPs, thereby reducing patient access to primary care services.

The Need for Change

Dr. Welch's book is not just a critique of the current state of general practice but also a clarion call for significant changes and investments in the system. She emphasizes the need for investment to rebuild a better future for general practice, arguing that the government has been deliberately undermining NHS general practice.

The book proposes several solutions to alleviate the crisis, including offering doctors free parking and food, stopping the use of physician associates as doctors, and scaling back paperwork. Dr. Welch also advocates for the increase of remote appointments, which could help improve access to care during periods of high demand.

A Call to Action

By sending a copy of 'Why Can't I See My GP' to every Member of Parliament, The Doctors' Association UK is actively encouraging MPs to engage with local GP practices in their areas. Understanding the specific problems and challenges these practices face is the first step towards meaningful change.

The aim is not just to inform but to spur these MPs into action. The book is a plea for them to use their influence and the resources at their disposal to bring about the necessary changes in policy, funding, and staffing that can help solve the crisis in general practice. The hope is that with increased awareness and understanding, the MPs can help shape a better future for general practice in the UK.

Conclusion

In conclusion, 'Why Can't I See My GP' serves as an eye-opener to the realities of the crisis in general practice. It presents a stark image of the current state of affairs, but it also offers hope in the form of practical solutions and a call to action. The hope is that the book will play a pivotal role in bringing about the much-needed change and improvement in the general practice sector in the UK.