GP appointments in Somerset increase by a quarter
Data revealed by NHS Somerset say the number of appointments delivered by GPs is 25% higher than before the pandemic
It has been revealed the number of GP appointments being delivered in Somerset has spiked by 25 per cent since before pandemic.
NHS Somerset say GP Teams in the county have been working hard to ensure patients get the care they need.
In 2023, 3,600,868 appointments were delivered right across Somerset, which is an increase of 25% from 2019.
This is the equivalent of each person in Somerset seeing their practice six times this year.
Out of these appointments:
- 42% took place on the same day
- 62% were held face to face - with some patients given the choice of having a virtual meeting instead
- 56% were with either a nurse, physiotherapist, clinical pharmacist or other clinician - 30% higher than in 2019
Right here in Somerset, and as seen across the country, GP practice teams include a range of healthcare professionals who are able to diagnose and treat a variety of health conditions.
The team may include nurses, pharmacists, physiotherapists, physician associates, social prescriber link workers and healthcare assistants, who work alongside GPs to ensure patients see the right person at the right time.
The NHS published a plan last year to improve access to GP services, which includes modernising telephone systems to make it easier for people to contact their surgery.
In Somerset, 58 of 62 practices have already moved to cloud-based telephony systems, which bring benefits including call queueing - and it's expected all 62 practices will have been upgraded by the end of this month.
The plans also included ways to boost access to general practice for patients, including more ways to access care for common conditions from high street pharmacies.
The Pharmacy First programme launched in January, meaning patients can now get treatment for seven common conditions directly from their local pharmacy.
You can read more about our interview with the owner of a chain of GP surgeries across the West Country here: Community pharmacy in 'disarray', claims owner of local chain
Bernie Marden, Chief Medical Officer, NHS Somerset, “GP teams are working exceptionally hard, carrying out record numbers of appointments for patients. GP surgeries across the country are experiencing significant and growing strain with rising demand.
“With demand on primary care increasing, it’s important that we do things to help improve patients’ experience and access to GP services.
“GP surgeries are now offering more appointments than ever before with a variety of health professionals such as pharmacists, physiotherapists, and mental health professionals to provide the support that best meets the needs of the patient.
“I understand how important it is for people to receive the right care and timely support in a way that suits their needs, and I would thank patients for treating staff with respect.
“The continued improvements to how patients access general practice care is central to continue to ensure patients get the right care when they need it.”