GP shortage leaves Dorset health services under 'EXTREME pressure'

The coronavirus pandemic, coupled with a GP shortage, a rise in people seeking mental health support and a backlog of routine treatments, means pressure continues to mount on surgeries.

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New data from Wessex Medical Committees show the number of GP appointments in Dorset offered in July this year rose by 8.8 per cent compared to July two years ago.

Over the last year in Dorset, three million face-to-face appointments, as well as 1.5 million via telephone, have taken place. In addition, 280,000 eConsults, where patients submit their symptoms or requests to their own GP electronically, were submitted by patients, alongside 14,000 video consultations.

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A spokesman from NHS Dorset Clinical Commissioning Group, said: "NHS services in Dorset continue to be under extreme pressure this summer.

"One of the biggest impacts of the pandemic has been delaying operations and procedures - postponed due to the pressures on hospitals.

"It's important patients, particularly the frail and elderly, don't stay in hospital any longer than they need to since it is well known that they lose muscle strength day by day, resulting in decreased mobility and longer recovery times.

"As we experience such a busy summer, and plan for the coming winter, it’s important to have continued support and understanding."

Statistics released by the NHS covering Hampshire, Dorset, Wiltshire and part of Somerset show the number of appointments offered has risen by an average of 11.8 per cent compared to July two years ago.

One of the reasons for the increase in appointments taking place, even taking into account that more than 50,000 people a month fail to attend their appointments, is the rise of email, phone calls and video appointments - up 132.77 per cent from 276,590 in July two years ago to 643,807 this July.

Face-to-face appointments are down 11.43 per cent on average.

Wessex Local Medical Committees (LMC), which represents the region’s GPs and practices, is urging patients to be far more understanding of the pressure their local surgeries are under.

Dr Gareth Bryant, acting chief executive of the LMC, said: "We're not looking for sympathy, just a better understanding of what we're coping with.

"Our GP practices have faced unprecedented demand, partly due to delivering the Covid vaccination programme and supporting patients who are ill with coronavirus, and also because they are being affected by the backlog elsewhere in the NHS.

"There's a national shortage of GPs and practices, which are adapting as best they can by recruiting staff to their teams such a physiotherapists, mental health practitioners and pharmacists.

"They are trying to get through appointments as best they can but there may be some delays. The Government has promised more GPs will be recruited but it’s not happening at the speed or the levels we need.

"Our teams have put themselves in the frontline and been exposed to considerable personal risk - sometimes at the expense of their own physical and mental health. We have sadly lost colleagues and loved ones to this terrible virus too. Many staff in the NHS are stressed and burnt out."

In response to the increased pressure, the NHS 111 First number has been introduced to help people get the right treatment, in the right place, at the right time.

Ways you can help us help you:

NHS services are open and safe to use. Consider talking to your local pharmacist as a first line of support for you or your GP if you have a health worry

Think NHS 111 First to help you get the right treatment, in the right place, at the right time

To prevent the spread of COVID-19 and to keep you safe will continue wearing face masks and coverings.

For more visit: www.111.nhs.uk or call 111 First.