Services ‘In Crisis’ Says Group Representing Local GPs
Written by HFM News on 30th March 2023
The organisation which represents local GPs says services are ‘in crisis’.
An extra 175 full-time equivalent family doctors are needed for safe services to be provided across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland, according to the Local Medical Committee.
It says patients can’t get the health services they need, which is causing stress for them and GPs alike, with many suffering from ‘burn-out’.
The group also says the government has imposed changes to the GP contract for next year, that will result in more GPs leaving the profession and patients waiting even longer for health care.
The body is calling on the government to take urgent action to deal with the situation, describing doctors as ‘being at the end of their tether’ and willing to take industrial action to make a stand.
Dr Grant Ingrams is a GP and Managing Partner at Oakmeadow Surgery in Glenfield, and Executive Chair of the Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland Local Medical Committee:
The Department of Health and Social Care says the government is on course to reach its nationwide target of 26,000 more staff in general practice ahead of March 2024.
Health and Social Care Secretary Steve Barclay said: “These figures show there are hundreds more doctors in general practice than last year and record numbers in training helping patients to see their GP more quickly.
“We have almost hit our target of delivering 26,000 additional primary care staff, including pharmacists, physiotherapists, and paramedics, who are providing care directly to patients or supporting doctors and nurses to do so.
“I am aware of the pressures GPs and their teams face and we will set out details of the further support we will provide soon, through our primary care recovery plan and, as mentioned in the Budget, our long term workforce plan.”
