The Growing GP Crisis: Long Waits and Rising Demand?

Newly released data shows that a record number of patients are facing extended waits for GP appointments in the UK, with more than 10.3 million waits of four weeks or longer in the first seven months of this year.

This data marks a sharp increase of 1.7 million compared to the same period last year when 8.6 million appointments had similar wait times. If this trend continues, as many expect, it will surpass the previous record set in 2022, where 17.6 million appointments had wait times of over four weeks. The growing pressure on GP services is leaving many patients without timely access to care, which could lead to serious consequences.

The long wait times for GP appointments are forcing many patients to seek care elsewhere, especially in already strained Accident & Emergency (A&E) departments. Overcrowded A&Es, which are designed for emergencies, are becoming overwhelmed with cases that could have been managed by GPs if patients had quicker access. Additionally, delays in primary care are leading to people avoiding treatment altogether, allowing their health conditions to deteriorate while they wait. These delays, compounded by difficulties in getting appointments, are putting patients’ health at further risk.

In some areas, the problem is particularly severe. NHS data reveals that almost one in 10 GP appointments in certain regions, such as Gloucestershire, have seen waits of four weeks or more this year, with 10.1% of appointments falling into this category. Derby, Derbyshire and Glossop, Dorset, and Chorley and South Ribble are also high on the list, with all reporting at least 9% of appointments with long waits. This is nearly double the national average of 5%, showcasing the disparity between different regions and highlighting the growing inequality in access to healthcare across the country.

The shortage of GPs is at the heart of this issue. The UK currently has 16% fewer fully qualified GPs than other high-income nations relative to its population, according to a recent NHS review led by Lord Ara Darzi. It has been suggested by other commentators that an additional 8,000 GPs will be required to provide every citizen with the right to see a doctor within a week. Experts argue that if people were seen more promptly by GPs, the burden on hospitals could be reduced, as early intervention often prevents minor conditions from becoming serious and requiring hospital care.

Despite the concern over the notorious ‘8am scramble’ for appointments, progress has been slow. The NHS GP Patient Survey indicates that only 49.7% of people now find it easy to reach their GP by phone, a sharp drop from 80.8% in 2012. Many experts believe the measures proposed so far are not enough to address the systemic problems that have led to the current crisis.

Healthcare experts and campaigners remain unconvinced that the long-standing issues surrounding GP shortages and appointment delays can be resolved in the short term. Professor Kamila Hawthorne, chairman of the Royal College of GPs, stated that while doctors share the frustrations of patients, the reality is that there are simply not enough GPs to meet the growing demand. The long-term challenge of recruiting and retaining GPs will likely require more than short-term solutions to truly address the problem.

1Stop4aGP offers an annual service to employers on behalf of employees and their families, as well as 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 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.