Half of Britons Avoid GP Visits Due to Appointment Struggles, Survey Reveals
A recent survey has uncovered a troubling trend in the UK, with almost half of the population delaying or avoiding contact with their GP when ill, primarily due to fears of difficulty securing an appointment. The findings highlight deep-seated public concern over access to essential NHS services, including GP care, A&E, hospital treatment, and ambulance responses.
Widespread Pessimism and Self-Management of Illness
According to the survey conducted by Ipsos for the Health Foundation thinktank, 48% of UK adults did not seek help from their family doctor during illness in the past year. Of these, 27% chose to manage their ailments independently or wait for symptoms to resolve, despite medical warnings that avoiding GP care could pose serious health risks. The data underscores a pervasive gloom about the NHS's current state, with many patients losing faith in the system's responsiveness.
Key Survey Insights and Public Priorities
The representative poll of 2,214 adults in December revealed several critical points. Faster access to GPs and A&E emerged as the public's top priorities for the NHS. Only 32% believe the NHS provides a good service nationally, while 42% perceive a decline in care standards over the past year. Looking ahead, 47% fear further deterioration in NHS care, with just 15% optimistic about improvements. Additionally, only 15% of the public think their government is pursuing the right policies to revive the health service, compared to 54% who disagree.
Impact on Urgent Care and Government Plans
Separate polling by Savanta for the Liberal Democrats found that a third of Britons have avoided A&E visits in the past two years due to expected long waits, even when treatment was needed. Helen Maguire, a Lib Dem health spokesperson, expressed concern, noting that elderly individuals and parents with sick children are suffering at home due to lost faith in the system. The Health Foundation warned that these findings should "ring alarm bells" for the government's plan to shift healthcare from hospitals to community settings, a key part of its 10-year NHS transformation strategy. Persistent issues in general practice and A&E may necessitate a reassessment of priorities.
New GP Contract and Professional Concerns
The survey results coincide with the publication of a new GP contract for England by Health Secretary Wes Streeting. The contract mandates that GP practices see all patients with urgent medical needs on the same day they contact the surgery and reallocates £300 million in funding to hire 1,600 more doctors. However, Dr. Katie Bramall, chair of the British Medical Association's GP committee, criticized the move, expressing concerns about unrealistic expectations for same-day care and potential barriers to specialist referrals. She also noted that Streeting bypassed traditional negotiations with the BMA, consulting other GP and patient bodies instead, due to disagreements over online access plans.
Overall, the survey paints a stark picture of a healthcare system under strain, with public confidence waning and significant challenges ahead for policymakers and medical professionals alike.
