Record GP Appointment Delays Predicted to Surpass 17 Million This Year Amid NHS Struggles

Historic high in GP appointment delays expected, with over 17.6 million facing four-week waits this year

Statistics indicate a surge in prolonged waiting times for GP visits projected to exceed 17.6 million instances this year.

Political correspondent @alixculbertson

Sunday, September 15, 2024, 10:

New data indicates that this year will see an unprecedented number of GP consultations requiring waits of up to four weeks.

Analysis by the Liberal Democrats of NHS data revealed that from January to July, there were over 10 million instances where patients had to wait at least four weeks for a GP appointment.

This represents an increase of 1.7 million from the previous year, during which there were 8.6 million appointments with waiting times of four weeks.

Should this year's trend persist as anticipated, it is projected to surpass the previous record of 17.6 million four-week delays set last year.

In certain regions, data from the NHS indicates that nearly 10% of GP consultations have experienced delays of four weeks or longer this year.

In Gloucestershire, the percentage of GP appointments that take four weeks to schedule is the highest in the nation, at 10.1%.

In the areas of Derby, Derbyshire and Glossop in Dorset, as well as Chorley and South Ribble, upwards of 9% of patients experience delays exceeding four weeks for a GP appointment.

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This figure is almost twice the typical rate of 5% across the country.

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The Liberal Democrats are calling on the government to boost NHS funding, particularly for general practitioner services, in the upcoming budget declaration by the chancellor on October 30.

Earlier this week, Sir Keir Starmer stated that the NHS must undergo reforms before receiving additional funding, as he unveiled a decade-long strategy to overhaul the healthcare system.

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Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey spoke to Sky News, stating that the NHS is unable to "sustain that strategy."

"He emphasized the necessity for initial investment and subsequent reform," he stated.

He accused the Conservatives of backtracking on social care reform and stated that "Labour appears to be struggling to comprehend" the issue.

The Liberal Democrats are proposing to ensure that everyone has the right to see a general practitioner within a week, or within 24 hours for urgent cases.

To achieve this, an additional 8,000 general practitioners would be required.

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Sir Ed stated, "It's essential that everyone has access to a doctor when necessary, yet the Conservative Party has damaged the NHS to such an extent that now millions are forced to wait weeks to see a physician."

This is why the Liberal Democrats are advocating for all individuals to be granted the ability to consult with a general practitioner within seven days, or within 24 hours for urgent cases. They are also pressing the government to increase the number of GPs to ensure this can be achieved.

"Addressing the shortage of general practitioners is essential for preserving our National Health Service. Quicker access to GP appointments can prevent many from needing hospitalization. This benefits the patients, the NHS, and the taxpayers alike."

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At the upcoming conference for the Liberal Democrats on Monday, Deputy Leader Daisy Cooper is anticipated to focus on the NHS during her principal address.

She will state: "There's no real freedom when you're confined to an endless waiting list, where your life diminishes to moving between just a few rooms at home."

"Quality health and care services form the foundation of a free society."

A spokesperson from the Department of Health and Social Care stated, "The NHS is in disrepair. The results demonstrate the extent of neglect faced by general practice. This administration is committed to resolving this by transitioning healthcare from hospitals to community-based settings."

"We are dedicated to adding 1,000 more general practitioners to the NHS workforce by the close of this year. Additionally, we've allocated an extra £311 million for general practitioner contract funding for the fiscal year 2024/2025, which represents a 7.4% increase. We will also guarantee that general practitioners are equipped with the necessary resources to provide patients with top-tier medical care."

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