New Survey Reveals - Patient Safety at Risk
A recent survey revealed that more than 80% of GPs believe that patients are being put at risk when they come into their surgery for an appointment.
The survey of over 1,000 GPs revealed that less than 15% felt that their practice was safe for patients at all times. Further findings revealed that 85% had concerns about patient safety.
The GPs surveyed identified lack of time with patients, relentless workloads, heavy administrative burdens and staff shortages, as being the main reasons people receiving care could be exposed to risk. The survey also revealed that:
Over 90% said more GPs would help improve the state of general practice
Over 80% have had anxiety, stress or depression over the past year
Nearly 25% know of a member of staff who has taken their own life due to work pressures
In summary, the workforce crisis in general practice is the biggest issue facing the NHS.
Boris Johnson promised in the 2019 general election to boost the GP workforce by 6,000 by 2024-25. However, Sajid Javid, the health secretary, has admitted that that pledge will not be delivered either. A continuing high rate of early retirement means that the number of
full-time GPs is still falling.
In conclusion, the survey revealed that over 50% of the GPs agreed that working as a GP is incompatible with a healthy family life, while just under 25 % would recommend general practice as a career. It is clear that the problems being faced in general practice have been building up over a long period of time and will not be easily resolved. 1Stop4aGP is working in support of NHS GPs to provide immediate solutions for patients taking pressure off primary care services and supporting the NHS.
