Norfolk patient group call for better planning to help GPs
The Royal College of GPs has said healthcare is "in crisis" owing to "insurmountable pressures"
Last updated 13th Mar 2023
A Norfolk patient group are calling for better local and national planning to ensure our General Practices can continue to cope with rising demand.
It's after a document from the Royal College of GPs said that this healthcare provision is "in crisis" owing to "insurmountable pressures"
"There is a lot more communication work that could be done"
John Bultitude is from Healthwatch Norfolk:
"They GPs are absolutely the right people in some cases. But actually a paramedic or a practice nurses could be better suited, at other times.
"I think there is a lot more communication work that could be done at a national and local level to make that clear to people. I think that would help on both sides so we as patients can help with that process as well and help make our GP staff feel a bit more valued.
"Patients only approach a GP when they are worried or concerned in most cases, and when they are facing long phone calls technology can be difficult. They feel like there is a distance between them and the GPs.
"That makes them even more worried which is manifested in even more difficult conversations among the GP practice team, as a whole".
"More investment and support is needed"
"I think there is concern about long-term planning.
"This isn't just about training up more GPs but a lot of GPs are now at middle age now and there's a worry that some are going to take early retirement and we are going to find gaps there. So I think long-term planning over a much long period is what's needed.
"Absolutely more investment and support is needed. But I think it's wider than that and it's not just a funding issue, so it's about a more joined up planning approach.
"The primary care hubs- that have been announced for Norfolk- are what's needed here, which is going to take pressure off GP practices as well".