Nearly 10 million people have struggled to contact a GP in past month
New ONS data out on 22 January 2024 shows the difficulty many patients are facing contacting their GP with nearly 40% of those who tried to get in touch with their family doctor over the past month facing a struggle to even make contact.
With over 25 million people trying to contact their GP for themselves or a family member every month, it is the equivalent of around 10 million people having trouble when they try to arrange an appointment. These statistics show a sharp increase from the data from last month when 30% of those who said they had tried to contact a GP said it was difficult to make contact with the practice.
Increased demand for GP services coupled with seasonal winter pressures have seen more people struggling to access their GP.
Instant access to a GP is critical because it offers patients a quick way to diagnose and treat health issues before they worsen into longer-term illnesses that can threaten lives and livelihoods. In the event that people struggle to get an appointment it means early warning signs of serious illness will be missed and chronic illnesses could be left to fester ultimately driving longer-term health implications across the country.
This situation has led to the growing demand from employers and individuals for private healthcare options like online GP services. Many employers have recognised that leaving their employees battling to get a GP appointment is not good for their business. 1Stop4aGP can help employees quickly identify and address potential problems to keep them healthy and avoid the long-term absences which have driven economic inactivity sharply upwards. Find out more about how we can help you and your business below.
We at 1Stop4aGP offer a comprehensive service with:
No limit to the number of times the service can be used within the year
No limit in the length of consultation
All members of the household are included at no extra cost
Provide your employees and their families with the protection and support they require in this vital area.
