8 September 2015

RCGP Response to Simon Stevens' Speech on Occupational Health Services for GPs

Dr Maureen Baker, Chair of the Royal College of GPs, said: “GPs are working harder than ever to meet increasing patient demand with limited resources and this unrelenting workload pressure undoubtedly puts our physical and mental health at risk.

“Fatigue, stress – and eventually burnout - among family doctors is increasing, to the detriment of their own health, and this could have a devastating impact on the care that our patients receive.

“Our recent paper outlining the very real threat that GP fatigue can have on our patients’ safety called for measures to be put in place to minimise this risk, and to safeguard the wellbeing of hardworking family doctors across the country.

“Better access for GPs to occupational health services is a positive step forward – one that the College has called for - and one that we will be pleased to work with NHS England and others to develop as a priority. It truly is a case of healthier doctors providing safer patient care and being better for patients.”

Further Information

RCGP Press office: 020 3188 7574/7575/7581
Out of hours: 0203 188 7659
press@rcgp.org.uk

 

Notes to editor

The Royal College of General Practitioners is a network of more than 50,000 family doctors working to improve care for patients. We work to encourage and maintain the highest standards of general medical practice and act as the voice of GPs on education, training, research and clinical standards.