Poll highlights 'avoidable workload' for GPs when patients struggle to navigate the NHS

Getty/ sturti

By Emma Wilkinson

Almost two-thirds of adults contacted their GP for help at least once in the last year to try and resolve issues with other parts of the NHS, the Royal College of General Practitioners has warned.

The survey of 2,000 people highlights the difficulties patients are having trying to navigate the frustrating “maze” of NHS systems, appointments and follow-ups, the RCGP said.

In most cases, patients contacted their GP to follow up on test results or letters (28%), chase appointments (23%) or resolve medication issues originating from hospital care (23%), the survey found.

More than four in five respondents said there had been times when they were unsure who to contact about their care, with many turning to the GP practice for help.

Patients also reported being directed to contact their GP by other services in hospital or the community.

The college said GPs were “increasingly” seeing patients with complex long-term conditions under the care of multiple health professionals, all working under different systems.