As the UK’s National Health Service (NHS) continues its push to offer free GP visits to patients, doctors are warning that thousands of people may still end up without a regular doctor. The NHS has promised to offer all patients access to free GP visits, but with waiting lists for appointments continuing to grow, many doctors are concerned that this promise will prove impossible to keep. In this article, we take a closer look at the concerns being raised by doctors and explore the potential implications of the NHS’s new promise for patients across the UK.
The Irish Medical Organisation (IMO) has warned that the roll-out of free GP visit cards to around 500,000 people will worsen waiting lists to see a GP. The majority of GPs in Ireland have now closed their lists to new patients. The IMO has responded to a strategic review of general practice, which is set to assess the industry’s various needs. While the review is welcomed, doctors are deeply frustrated that it will only take place after the proposed expansion of free GP care. Dr Denis McCauley, Chairman of the GP Committee of the IMO, has stated that there are already significant issues within general practice, including capacity, access to out-of-hours services, and the suitability of the existing financial model underpinning the GP service. The Irish College of General Practitioners (ICGP) has welcomed the establishment of the review, acknowledging the urgency of the GP workforce crisis and stating that it looks forward to its delivery.
In conclusion, the promise of free visits to doctors for thousands of people in need has been met with a stark warning from healthcare professionals. With waiting lists already severe, doctors are concerned that the current system may not be able to cope with the anticipated influx of patients. As we continue to navigate our way through the pandemic, it is crucial that the government listens to these warnings and takes steps to address this issue to ensure that those in need of medical attention can access it in a timely and efficient manner. Only then can we move towards a healthcare system that is truly accessible to all.
