NHS Confederation responds to new polling showing half of the public avoided contacting their GP about a health concern
Commenting on the findings of the Health Foundation’s new patient attitude poll on accessing GP services, Ruth Rankine, director of the primary care network and neighbourhood lead at the NHS Confederation and NHS Providers, said:
"Primary care is the ‘front door’ for patients seeking care and plays a key role in the NHS’ much-needed shift towards prevention. It is, therefore, disappointing that this polling shows that so many patients lack confidence in booking appointments with their GP due to concerns over access, choice and GP capacity.
"Yesterday, we also welcomed the publication of the GP contract. With a £485 million investment in boosting GP capacity, as well as the requirement for 90% of patients with urgent care needs to be seen on a same-day basis by a GP, we hope that this will go some way to addressing the concerns highlighted in the Health Foundation’s report.
"Patients should also be aware that they are able to use number of other tools available to them should they need to access the care they want and need, including the ability to book GP appointments online, and to visit community pharmacies for support for minor illnesses and aches and pains, lifestyle advice and vaccinations."
