Office for National Statistics (ONS) data out this morning shows the difficulty many patients are facing contacting their GP with almost a third (32%) of those who tried to get in touch with their family doctor over the past month facing a struggle to make contact.
Of that 32%, more than two in 10 (22%), found it difficult to make contact with their GP practice, and one in 10 found it very difficult.
But with more 27 million people trying to contact their GP every month, it is the equivalent of around 8.8 million people having trouble when they try to access routine contact with a doctor for either themselves or a loved one.
“The access issues feed into wider worries about the state of the NHS with 86% of people in the ONS’ research saying that it was an important issue facing the UK,” according to independent consultancy Broadstone.
In contrast 45% said that it was easy or very easy to contact their GP – with 16% saying it was very easy.
Almost a quarter (23%) said that it was neither easy nor difficult to make contact with their GP.
Brett Hill, head of health and protection at Broadstone, (pictured) said: “Today’s data from the ONS demonstrates yet further evidence of the creaking state of the nation’s health service with millions of people every month facing difficulties getting an appointment with their GP.
“GP access is critical because it offers patients a quick way to diagnose and treat health issues before they worsen into longer-term illnesses that can threaten lives and livelihoods.
“If people are struggling to get appointments it means chronic illnesses could be left to fester ultimately driving longer-term health implications across the country.
“It is little surprise that we are seeing growing demand from employers for private medical options like digital GP services and regular health checks as an alternative to the 8am battle to get into the GP’s office.
“By doing so they can help employees quickly identify and address potential problems to keep them healthy and avoid the long-term absences which are driving economic inactivity sharply upwards.”