Welsh lawmakers need to address the wellbeing of practices teams and ensure investment in technology, according to proposals released ahead of the country’s national elections. The Royal College of GPs Cymru Wales has called for three major priorities to help support general practice as Wales gradually emerges from the pandemic. It is asking Senedd electoral…

GPs and pain specialists have raised concerns about new guidance which calls for non-pharmacological treatments for chronic pain. GP leaders warned that practices and patients might struggle to get access to the kinds of interventions, such as acupuncture and psychological therapies, advocated in the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence guidance. The Faculty of…

GPs and practice staff are calling for a full overhaul of inspections, accusing inspectors of being “aggressive and unreasonable.” A round robin letter, currently signed by 140 doctors and other staff, says it is “unfortunate and unacceptable” that the Care Quality Commission has resumed normal inspections. It says the approach of the CQC can no…

GP leaders are alarmed that the proposed “COVID passport” scheme could require practice involvement in certifying certificates. The government is currently consulting on proposals, suggesting that certificates could be used for major events. A certificate would confirm the holder had been vaccinated or had a test confirming positive antibodies or, potentially, a negative test for…

Practices have been urged to reinstate medical assessments for people applying to be foster carers and adopters – amid concern that vulnerable children are being left waiting for new homes. Medical organisations said practices should undertake the assessments “where possible.” The Royal College of GPs and the British Medical Association say that many practices and…

Most GPs are keen to return to seeing more patients face to face, according to the profession’s leader. Many doctors feel like they are working in a “call centre” because about half of consultations are now by telephone, according to Professor Martin Marshall, chair of the Royal College of GPs. Professor Marshall speaks to The…

Official data shows a continued reduction in practice appointments, possibly linked to the drive to ensure COVID-19 vaccination. GP leaders say the latest data is misleading because of the amount of effort going into the vaccination programme. Practices recorded 23.5 million appointments in February compared with 23.8 million in January and 24 million in February…