GPs will be forced to allow patients to book appointments over the phone, under a new contract starting next month.
The new contract is to be imposed on family doctors in England so that GPs can’t make patients book online, which used to lock out those without access to the internet.
ShutterstockPatients will no longer have to go online to book a GP slot[/caption]
The changes, issued by NHS England, insist everyone will get the same level of medical help, whether they walk in, phone up or use online booking services.
Patients who want a face-to-face appointment rather than a phone call will be allowed to wait until a doctor is free, it adds.
It said there will be a “consistent approach to care navigation and triage so there is parity between online, face-to-face, and telephone access, including collection of structured information for walk-in and telephone requests.”
The move follows growing concern about difficulties accessing GP appointments and about a rise in health conditions, such as heart attacks and strokes, which might have been prevented with the right care.
A survey conducted by Silver Voices, an over-60s campaign group, found that six pensioners said their GP practice would not accept phone calls to make appointments.
They launched a campaign for GP slots to be made more accessible to the older generation.
As part of this, they sent health officials a list of 30 surgeries which were only allowing online booking.
Dennis Reed, from Silver Voices, told the Telegraph: “The days of older people being told that they must get on a computer at the library if they want to see a doctor must end and we will be monitoring the situation on the ground closely.
“Digital exclusion and age discrimination in the NHS must be eradicated.”
The new GP rules, which will be enforced starting in April, say that practices should do more to ensure that patients see their regular doctor.
The British Medical Association, however, has reacted badly to the 2.2 per cent increase in funding under the new contract, claiming it was not enough to cope with increasing demand on practices.
‘Same-day’ appointments dropped
Meanwhile, plans for 3million Brits in North London to get same-day appointments have been scrapped after fierce backlash.
Details of the new scheme revealed only one in 15 appointments would have been conducted by GPs, which campaigners warned could be unsafe.
Most slots would have be handled by other healthcare professionals, such as pharmacists or physician associates (PAs).
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 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 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 as 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 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