WIREDGOV

The Patients Association is concerned by the findings of a new British Medical Association (BMA) survey into the state of General Practice in England.

Worryingly 55% of GP practices that were surveyed reported that the quality of service they were providing over the last 12 months had declined. The findings of the study point to rising levels of patient demand coupled with a lack of resources contributing to a decline in the standard of care for patients.

Katherine Murphy, Chief Executive of the Patients Association said: 

“The results of this survey demonstrate how precarious the situation in primary care is. The Patients Association has received an increasing number of calls to our National Helpline about the level of care patients are getting from their GP, with many patients unable to even access primary care services. 

“The results of the survey show that, with many GPs looking to retire in the next five years and demands increasing due to an ageing population, the deterioration of patient care will only continue. It is vital that efforts are made to train and retain more GPs. Practices must also have more registered general nurses, pharmacists and social workers to help lift the growing burden on GPs.

“The Patients Association calls on the Government to recognise that a tipping point has now been reached in primary care. As demand for services increases, funding must be available to give patients the access to and standard of care that they need. Patients are desperate for a more holistic and patient-centred approach to healthcare, which GP practices are struggling to provide. This has to change to ensure patient safety.”

Notes to Editors:

The Patients Association is an independent national health and social care charity established over 52 years ago, which has a long history of campaigning to ensure that the voice of patients is heard within the UK Health and Social care system.

For further information please contact Matthew Tisi, Communications & Public Affairs Officer, on 020 8423 9111, or email matthew@patients-association.com or call 07779 004898.

Visit our website at www.patients-association.org.uk