Public alarm grows about state of practices

Public concern about general practice continues to rise while public confidence in the NHS slumps. The Health Foundation has reported that 78% of people are now concerned about the pressure on practices, compared with 73% two years ago. Just 28% believe the NHS is providing a good service nationally – a six percentage point reduction in one year.

BMA Chair, Professor Philip Banfield, said: “Huge issues remain, not least the need to properly fund and support general practice with the additional resources to reflect the extra work and costs they are bearing. The failure to do so means GPs continuing to hang up their stethoscopes, leaving and practices closing – which is why GP contractors in England have overwhelmingly voted to take collective action.”

Practices taking part in English action

Just under half of practices in England are currently participating in the BMA industrial action. According to a recent survey, 26% of practices are now limiting the number of patients a doctor sees daily to 25. Another 20% of practices are planning further action, and 22% are considering it. The survey was undertaken by Pulse magazine.

NHS National Director for Primary Care, Dr Amanda Doyle, said: “The NHS remains committed to tackling the issues within general practice, and while changes have been introduced to help staff and improve patient access, we know general practice remains under significant pressure and is experiencing record demand, so we will continue to work together with GPs and other stakeholders to support the profession.”

GPs may be the most stressed doctors

GPs are increasingly cutting their hours to protect their personal wellbeing. The GMC said 48% of GPs are now “struggling” and report worse experiences than other doctors. This means working beyond rostered hours and feeling unable to cope.

Royal College of GPs Chair, Professor Kamila Hawthorne, said: “General practice is in crisis, and GPs are under immense pressure – and as a result, many GPs feel as though cutting their hours is the only way to avoid burnout and keep their patients safe.”

Guidance on dealing with staff involved in protests

Practices have been issued with new guidance on what to do if employees face allegations of involvement in public disorder. The guidance, compiled by lawyers Capsticks for NHS Employers, tells practices to recognise staff rights to be involved in peaceful protest. A police investigation should not automatically result in disciplinary action, it says.

However, practices can also conduct their own investigations even if there is no police involvement. They can examine social media postings and witness statements. There may also be a loss of confidence in the employee if there has been “demonstrably” racist or violent conduct.

New funding to support Glasgow practice outreach

Practices in the Glasgow region are being allocated £1 million to improve access for the most disadvantaged patients. The cash will extend an existing “inclusion health and general practice” programme (IHAGP) which provides early interventions for patients with complex needs or who are “missing” from healthcare. In the last year, some 7,000 patients received help and 200 practice staff members received training.

After visiting the Keppoch Practice, Glasgow, Scottish Health Secretary, Neil Gray, said: “The Scottish Government remains committed to the long-term goals of IHAGP. While the current funding is set at £1 million, the positive impacts demonstrated by the programme pave the way for potential future expansions.”