Rising patient numbers places 'huge pressure' on GPs

Price's Mill Surgery in Nailsworth has written a letter to patients explaining the "huge pressures" GPs face

Patient abuse, increased demands and skyrocketing costs is causing "workforce burnout" for staff in a Gloucestershire GP surgery, according to practice bosses.

Price’s Mill Surgery in Nailsworth has written to patients detailing the “huge pressures" their doctors are facing.

They said they are facing increasing demands from the Government and the need from patients has never been higher.

NHS Gloucestershire said "planning for future levels of patient need, including championing the proactive and preventative care already underway, are key priorities for the NHS locally".

The letter said that lengthy waiting lists for hospitals and specialist services mean patients need ongoing care from the New Market Road practice while waiting for treatment.

Partners from the surgery said this is impacting on their ability to provide care and meet the needs of patients. They also cite increasing financial pressures on general practice.

They said “sub-inflation annual government funding increases of 2.1% do not meet the skyrocketing rise in running costs", and they can only afford to deliver the service they are funded for.

GPs have complained about a shortfall of funding and high patient numbers

Councillors heard in March how GP surgeries may have to cut the amount of appointments they offer patients due to rising staffing costs.

“This shortfall in funding means we cannot afford to increase our staffing levels to match the increased demand," the letter said.

“It is a sad picture repeated across the country. The current situation has affected our ability to recruit into the roles left by retiring GP partners.

“The sad consequence of this scenario is we have been experiencing significant rates of work-related ill health, burnout and staff turnover."

'Abusive episodes'

The letter details how some staff are experiencing abusive episodes from a small minority of patients which is having a significant impact on morale.

The practice partners said "it remains a very challenging time" and they may need to direct patients to NHS 111 when they reach their limit of safe levels of working.

A spokesperson for NHS Gloucestershire said: “We are incredibly grateful to our Gloucestershire GPs and their teams for the excellent care they provide to their patients despite high levels of need.

"Local GP practices are facing a number of challenges, including a record increase in patient contacts, a significant rise in costs and staffing pressures across practice teams.

"We continue to provide support to practices and Primary Care Networks in areas such as telephony and appointment systems, expanding the existing workforce and managing workload.

"At the same time, we will do all we can to back the work of our practice teams as we finalise funding plans for the coming year.

"Planning for future levels of patient need, including championing the proactive and preventative care already underway, are key priorities for the NHS locally.”

As of last month there were more than 1,900 patients for every GP in Gloucestershire as doctors complained of a shortfall in funding.