25 November 2016
Relentless GP Workload is a Threat to Our Patients' Safety, Says RCGP
Professor Helen Stokes-Lampard has responded to a new survey out today from the British Medical Association which highlights the relentless workloads in general practice and the danger this is posing to our patients' safety.
She said: “This echoes much of what the College has been saying for some time now – the relentlessness of the workload in general practice is a threat to our own health and our patients' safety.
“GPs will see a total of 1.3m patients today alone, and rising patient demand means GPs are carrying out more consultations than ever before - currently 370m a year and 60m more per year than even five years ago.
“Over the past three years, the College’s Put patients first: Back general practice campaign has raised awareness of the crippling workload pressures facing general practice.
“The GP Forward View announced by NHS England earlier this year could provide a lifeline for our profession.
“We are now focused on making sure that the pledges in the GPFV become a reality, sooner rather than later, so that GPs and our teams are fully supported to provide excellent care for our patients now, and in the future.”
Further Information
RCGP Press office: 020 3188 7574/7575/7633
Out of hours: 0203 188 7659
press@rcgp.org.uk
Notes
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.