The Struggle to See a GP and the Shift to Private Healthcare

Written by our Partnership Director, David Currie.

In recent years, securing a General Practitioner (GP) appointment in the UK has become increasingly challenging, reflecting deeper issues within the National Health Service (NHS). Many people, like myself, have made the difficult decision to turn to private healthcare, particularly when it comes to GP services. This shift away from public services is not something I'm particularly proud of, but it often feels like the only viable option. Faced with long waits, uncertainty, and a system under immense pressure, I found myself opting for private care after a series of frustrating experiences trying to access NHS GP services.

The strain on GP services is undeniable. The shortage of doctors is stark, with increasing numbers leaving the profession due to burnout and overwhelming demand. A survey by the British Medical Association found that only 5% of GPs believe their practices are in a sustainable long-term position. This is a shocking figure, but it reflects the reality of a system buckling under the weight of an aging population, more complex health needs, and shrinking resources. The sheer difficulty of securing a GP appointment adds to the frustration for patients, many of whom are left feeling abandoned by the public system.

My own experience of trying to get a GP appointment was a Kafkaesque ordeal. After being told that all appointments were booked for a month, I was then informed that I couldn’t book ahead and would need to call back at an unspecified time to try my luck again. The uncertainty and lack of access felt demoralizing. Frustrated, I turned to a private GP service, where I was able to secure an appointment immediately. For a subscription fee, I now have access to a doctor, either by phone or videolink, whenever I need one. It felt like a return to the 90s when getting a GP appointment was simple and stress-free.

However, there is a growing recognition that the NHS needs more than just additional funding to address its issues. A recent report highlighted that despite a 17% increase in the workforce since 2019, the quality of care has declined. The report suggests that without structural changes, merely providing more money won’t improve patient outcomes. The current system is struggling to keep up with demand, and this growing gap between resources and expectations is leading to widespread dissatisfaction among both patients and healthcare professionals.

One of the key recommendations from healthcare experts is to shift investment from hospitals to community care. In both England and Scotland, many hospital beds are occupied by patients awaiting social care support, which strains the system. However, meaningful change will take years, not months, to implement, which does little to comfort those currently stuck on waiting lists or struggling to access a GP.

In the meantime, more people are likely to follow my path and turn to private healthcare. While the decision to go private wasn’t easy, it felt necessary given the current state of the NHS. I still believe in the NHS, and I pay for it through my taxes, but when faced with the choice between waiting indefinitely and paying for immediate care, it was difficult to justify sticking with the public system.

It can be argued that by paying for private healthcare, patients are reducing pressure on the NHS. The truth is, I couldn’t get the care I needed through the NHS, so I paid for it elsewhere. After all, when the public system fails to provide the necessary care, it’s only natural to seek alternatives. It’s a difficult situation, but can you really blame those of us who choose to go private.

1Stop4aGP offers 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 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.