Help your GP Practice to help you – a few things you need to know

  • Do you need your GP?
  • We cannot affect hospital waiting lists
  • Tests ordered by the hospital will be followed up by the hospital
  • If you are unwell you do not need a sick note from your doctor for the first seven days
  • Check if the service you want offers self-referral
  • Help us prioritise services for those that need them most!
  • We are open and we always have been
  • Throughout the pandemic, we have adapted how we work to make sure services are available at all times.
  • We have had fewer staff and an increased workload, but we have continued to see patients at all times.
  • 370million general practice appointments since March 2020 – 200million face to face
  • We improved the way we work, including speaking to many patients on the phone first.
  • This has helped reduce face-to-face contact, preventing the spread of COVID-19.
  • By doing this we can make sure you get the right appointment with the right person as quickly as possible.
  • If you do need to be seen face-to-face, we will invite you in for an appointment.
  • Despite a reduced workforce and increased demand, due to the new ways of working there has been an extra 1million appointments in general practice every day
  • We will keep going
  • We have faced many challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic – and this continues today
  • By speaking to you first on the phone, we can make sure you get the care you need from the right person at the right time.
  • GP practices have seen numerous staff shortages through isolation and illness, which has put additional pressure on remaining staff.
  • There are many different health professionals now available who can help with some conditions, improving access to GP appointments for those with complex needs.
  • Despite this, practices are offering 31% more appointments compared to pre-pandemic levels.
  • Please be kind
  • 2/3 of GPs say their experience of abuse, threatening behaviour or violence got worse during the 12 months to June 2021.
  • Dealing with people who are abusive or aggressive towards our staff or patients, takes us away from caring for you.
  • We have the right to refuse treatment and take further action against anyone who threatens the safety of our staff and patients