Doctors advised to defy Governments stance on face-to-face appointments.

 

Medical practices that serve millions of patients across southern England have been advised to defy the Health Secretary's orders for them to see more patients face-to-face. 

Recently, the Health Secretary, Sajid Javid, announced plans for patients to have the right to demand face-to-face appointments with their family doctor. But GP practices in Surrey, Sussex and south west London, have been told in a letter from Dr. Julius Parker, the head of the Local Medical Committee (LMC), that represents 3,300 GPs, "not to participate" in plans to improve access to GPs in the area. The letter from Dr. Parker, "advises all practices not to participate in any aspect of these proposals" and claims that the Government's £250m support package aimed at helping patients, is "politically motivated" and "panders to popular campaigns in the press."

Patient campaigners have condemned the advice as 'arrogant' and have called on the Government to step in and stop the  revolt spreading to other GP surgeries across the country. The British Medical Association (BMA), have said they are 'deeply unhappy' with the government's proposals and are deciding what steps to take.

Before the pandemic, 80% of consultations were in person, but this has now plummeted to just 57%. GPs have been told they can only deny in-person consultations if there are good clinical reasons and the Government have warned that surgeries that fail to improve access for patients, will be "named and shamed" and will face direct intervention. 

The letter from Dr. Parker advises GP practices not to engage with NHS England's 'disastrous plan' because it has no contractual standing and there is is no requirement to participate. Patient groups have warned that patients seeking a GP appointment are often referred to a pharmacist, physio, or nurse instead. NHS England figures show that nearly half of GP appointments are no longer with an actual doctor. 

Although Covid-19  restrictions have been lifted, it's still not possible for many people to get to see a GP. Throughout the lock-down, you could still see dentists, opticians and other specialists. Since May of this year, you have been able  to dine or drink inside and attend huge events, yet we still need someone to access our health over the phone. Many doctors and nurses who work in the hospitals, have questioned why it is okay for them to see patients but not GPs. Difficulty in seeing a GP has led to more referrals to A&E, the NHS Helpline 111, and increasing use of the emergency services. 

Many GP practices say they are maintaining Covid-19 protocols ostensibly to prevent the spread of the virus. The number of permanent GPs has been declining steadily over the last five years. There has been talk of GPs "hanging up their stethoscopes" or of GPs being 'burnt out' or "scarred for life". Despite the hyperbole, from GPs, the Department of Social Health and Social Care, say a record number of people are training to become GPs with up to 4,000 new starters this year. 

Some might see medicine as a calling and a vocation, but no doubt, many are attracted by the average GP salaries of £100,700 per annum, compared to UK average earnings of £31,431. According to NHS England, as many as 90% of GPs work part-time. The very high salaries paid to GPs in this country (roughly twice what a French GP earns) enable them to live very comfortably while working two or even three days a week. Some 40% of GPs now operate full or part-time as locums, where they can earn up to £200,000 a year.

Alison Mutch OBE, the senior coroner for Greater Manchester, has warned that remote GP appointments such as by telephone, are putting lives at risk because of the possibility that medical conditions do not get properly diagnosed. In the case of 16-year-old Hannah Royle, who died following complications arising from a twisted bowel, the West Sussex assistant coroner, said that Hannah's condition 'gastric volvulus' could not have been diagnosed over the phone by the NHS Helpline.