MILLIONS of Brits will be able to get same-day GP appointments under a new NHS scheme.
From April, the three million residents of North West London will be able to access care more easily through a new health hub.
PAMost appointments will be handled by less qualified staff, such as physician associates[/caption]
Patients will be directed to the hub if they select “same-day” care when calling their GP practice, with artificial intelligence used to help prioritise people.
However, details of the new scheme seen by The Telegraph reveal that only one in 15 appointments offered under the “same-day access model” will be conducted by GPs.
Each hub could have just one GP working in it, meaning most appointments will be handled by less qualified staff, such as controversial physician associates.(PAs)
PAs are unregulated healthcare professionals being used to plug the staffing shortage in the NHS.
People seeking same-day might have to travel further than their GP surgery to see a medical professional, the NHS said on its website.
Patients could also be sent to other health services, like pharmacies, if they would “better meet your needs”.
Some hubs would also be “virtual”, meaning appointments are carried out remotely.
Dr Genevieve Small, Harrow GP and Medical Director, Primary Care NHS North West London, said: “Patients consistently tell us that getting a GP appointment can be difficult.
“We have developed a plan to increase same-day access to GPs, community pharmacists and other primary care professionals for those patients who need it.
“This approach will be introduced gradually across North West London from April 2024.
“It will ensure that GPs have more time to proactively care for their patients who most need their expertise, including those with long-term conditions.”
‘Robustly evaluated’ before rolled out to other areas
Prof Kamila Hawthorne, chair of the Royal College of GPs, said family doctors were open to new ways of improving patient access, which could involve new hubs, if implemented appropriately.
But she said: “We do have concerns about how this model could impact continuity of care, which research consistently shows is beneficial for patients and the NHS.
“It’s the trusted relationships between GPs and patients, built over time, that help us to give patients the holistic care they often need.”
She added that RCGP will “be watching this initiative with interest” and called for it to be “robustly evaluated” before it is rolled out more widely.
New NHS figures suggest that one in 20 patients has to wait at least four weeks to see a GP.
In November 2023, 1.5m appointments in England at a GP surgery took place four weeks or more after they were booked, 4.8 per cent of the 31.9m held that month.
Can’t get a GP appointment? The 11 conditions that mean you don’t need one
If you’re gearing up for a weeks-long wait to get your condition seen to by a doctor, you might be in luck.
If you’ve got one of 11 minor conditions, you can pop into your local pharmacy instead, experts at Landy’s Chemist shared.
Like doctors, pharmacists have extensive training in medicine use and can provide clinical advice as well as point you to the appropriate over-the-counter treatment for minor illnesses and injuries.
1. Cold and flu symptoms
If you’re experiencing fits of coughing, congestion, a sore throat, a runny nose or fever, you can get these seen to by a pharmacist.
They’ll be able to advise you on what treatments to take and how to best alleviate your symptoms.
2. Allergies
Allergy symptoms can be pretty bothersome, but thankfully you can get them seen to promptly by a pharmacist.
You can also visit a pharmacy if you’re experiencing a minor allergic reaction.
3. Aches and pains
You can get minor aches and pains – such as a headache, muscle aches and joint pain – checked out by a pharmacist.
4. Digestive issues
Indigestion can cause you to feel pain or discomfort in your upper abdomen, while a burning pain behind your breastbone could be heartburn.
You probably have diarrhoea if you’ve had more than three loose, watery poos in a row.
Meanwhile, if you’re straining over the loo, you might be suffering from constipation.
You can speak to a pharmacist about all four of these uncomfortable digestive conditions rather than waiting to see a GP.
5. Skin conditions
It can sometimes be hard to gauge how best to treat skin rashes or itchy bug bites.
A pharmacist can advise you about the best course of action for minor rashes, insect bites as well as sunburn.
6. Minor Infections
Your chemist can also help you with some minor infections, such as urinary tract infections.
You can also seek advice for minor skin infections.
7. Eye Conditions
See your pharmacists if you have red or irritated eyes or a minor eye infection.
But you should see a GP if your baby has red eyes, you wear contact lenses and have an eye infection, or your symptoms haven’t cleared up after two weeks.
8. Ear trouble
Having pain in your ear is something most of us assume we need to see a doctor about.
But a pharmacist can see to your earache, as well any wax buildup.
9. Minor Injuries
You might already seek the help of your chemist for minor cuts, scrapes and bruises.
But you can also consult them about minor sprains and strains.
10. Oral health
You might think anything to do with your mouth is a dentist’s department.
But pharmacists can also give you advice on how to care for mouth ulcers, cold sores and gingivitis, a common form of gum disease.
It can cause your gums to become red, sore or to bleed.
11. Health checks
You can also get a few tests at your local chemist, instead of waiting weeks for a GP appointment.
Get your blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar levels assessed at your pharmacy.