Patients in Cumbria currently face five-week wait for GP appointment

GPs in some areas of Cumbria say patients are facing waits of up to five weeks for appointments due to backlogs caused by the pandemic.

 

One practice in Kendal said waits could be up to five weeks, instead of the usual two, with up to 40 per cent more calls received each day.

 

Analysis of NHS Digital data in recent weeks showed the rate of face-to-face GP consultations has changed little since the winter lockdown.  It also showed a significant variation with some areas seeing less than half in-person, but others closer to 75 per cent.

 

Dr Ed Clarke from the James Cochrane Practice in Kendal, said they were struggling to manage demand, despite having extra GPs.

 

He went on to say “At the moment I think some of my colleagues, if you want an appointment with them, it might be four or five weeks before you can get a routine appointment.

 

“A number are in the process of reducing sessions because they just can’t keep the work-life balance going.  We are used to putting in long shifts, it just feels this has been a long, long period of time.”

 

Dr Clarke also encouraged patients to seek help from other health professionals, such as physiotherapists or pharmacists, for minor ailments.

 

“One of the things I hope we learn from the Covid pandemic is what problems can be dealt with safely and effectively over the phone and what problems we should be arranging face-to-face appointments straight away, without having a GP conversation first.”

 

Chadwick Lawrence’s specialist team of clinical negligence lawyers have years of experience in medical negligence claims, providing support and guidance after life-changing events.  Not only do we represent clients in Yorkshire, but because of our reputation we also represent clients nationally.

 

If you believe that you or a relative may have been injured as a result of clinical/medical negligence, please call for free legal advice from our medical negligence solicitors on the freephone number below.

 

Posted by Tony May, Partner/head of Clinical Negligence Department, Chadwick Lawrence LLP (tonymay@chadlaw.co.uk ), medical negligence lawyers and clinical negligence solicitors in Huddersfield, Leeds, Wakefield and Halifax, West Yorkshire.

 

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