DESPERATE patients are turning to “DIY” medical treatment after failing to secure an appointment with a GP, figures show.
One in seven opted to do so — or asked someone else to help them, a survey revealed.
GettyDesperate patients are turning to ‘DIY’ medical treatment after failing to secure an appointment with a GP, figures show[/caption]
GettyEd Davey said: ‘Face-to-face GP appointments have become almost extinct in some areas of the country’[/caption]
A fifth bought medication online or at a pharmacy without having spoken to a doctor.
One in three delayed seeing a GP despite being in pain, it found.
Nearly one in four could not get to see a local GP — and just under a third gave up trying, the Savanta poll for the Lib Dems showed.
Leader Ed Davey said: “People pay their fair share in tax and expect basic local health services.
“Yet it is utterly depressing to see Brits turning to DIY medical treatment.
“Face-to-face GP appointments have become almost extinct in some areas of the country.
“Patients are left suffering in pain after years of neglect under the Conservative Government, who have repeatedly broken their promise to recruit more GPs.”