The Decline of the Family Doctor: Pressures on Patients Seeking GP Appointments
The vision of “bringing back the family doctor” is increasingly unlikely, as fewer patients will see GPs in the coming decade. A report by Frontier Economics predicts that by 2034, only 70% of surgery appointments in England will be delivered by GPs, down from 90% in 2015. Instead, patients will more often see other healthcare professionals, such as nurses, physiotherapists, or pharmacists.
Rising Demand and Workforce Pressures
This change is driven by rising demand for care, caused by an ageing population and an increase in lifestyle-related illnesses like diabetes and heart disease. At the same time, fewer GPs are working full-time, leading to a gap between patient needs and available care. Many GPs are reducing their hours due to burnout or personal reasons, leaving the workforce overstretched.
As a result, the NHS is relying more on other healthcare professionals to fill the gap. The Pharmacy First scheme directs patients with minor ailments to pharmacists, while nurses and physiotherapists manage routine check-ups and chronic conditions. Although this relieves pressure on GPs, it changes the traditional model of care. Patients used to seeing their family doctor regularly may struggle with the new system, where continuity of care is harder to maintain.
The Tipping Point for GP Care
Despite these adaptations, research warns that the NHS is approaching a tipping point, where GPs will handle fewer than 50% of patient consultations. The combination of increasing demand and shrinking GP availability is transforming how primary care operates, forcing patients to rely on a broader team of healthcare professionals. The family doctor model, once central to patient care, is slowly fading as the system adjusts to these mounting pressures.
A Changing Healthcare Landscape
Another solution easing pressures on GP practices is the rise of remote GP services. Virtual consultations via phone or video call allow patients to access care more easily without physically attending the practice. This digital approach helps reduce the number of in-person appointments, particularly for minor issues or follow-ups, freeing up time for GPs to handle more complex cases. Remote care has become especially valuable post-pandemic, offering flexibility for both patients and doctors while still delivering essential services.
The 1Stop4aGP Solution:
We offer an annual service to employers on behalf of employees and to individuals:
24/7 GP Appointment Service accessed by telephone or video call
Electronic Private Prescriptions delivered to home, workplace, or nearest pharmacy
All immediate family in the household are covered
It is important to highlight that there is no restriction on the length of the appointment with our GPs and also no limit on the number of times the service can be used in the 12 month contract period.
Speak to us today and see how we can help you and your family.
1Stop4aGP. Here for you, anytime, anywhere.
