Since the easing of lockdown, general practice is busier now than it has ever been before, but why? Why has the workload for some GPs practically doubled?
Well let's look at the facts:
Every surgery, in one way or another had to help out with the vaccination programme using their own staff. These surgeries are already stretched thin with their staffing levels, but because the general demand from the population decreased circa 20% across the board it was manageable. But, we were in a position where patients were not getting seen or treated for their ongoing issues. So, now the world is getting back to normal, the workload has once again increased (with records showing it's even busier than pre-covid) and with members of staff still working in vaccination centres, it is becoming impossible to manage the heavy workloads. On top of this, so many GPs and Nurses haven't taken much, if any, annual leave over the last year, so are taking some well-earned time off.
Now where does that leave us?
It leaves us in a critical condition, where our government MUST step in! They have pledged £120m already to help with the backlog, but it is simply not enough. I have spoken to several GPs and GP Practice Managers who are at breaking point with the demand and need significant funding NOW enabling surgeries to get the staff they need!
For more information on the government funding click here.
