GP Warns Practices Are Overwhelmed by Patient Waiting Lists

A general practitioner has stated that medical practices are unable to manage the volume of individuals requiring healthcare. Dr. Satpal Shekhawat, whose practice is located in Kirton Lindsey, Lincolnshire, reported that patient waiting lists continue to expand, placing a significant burden on GPs to manage their workload. He noted, “The demand is rising year on year. We’re seeing it at our practice, but it’s across the board.” In response, the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) acknowledged that NHS staff have been “overworked for years” and announced intentions to recruit an additional 1,000 GPs by the close of 2024. Dr. Shekhawat described duty doctor shifts as the “most challenging due to the severity and volume.” He recounted an instance where he attended to 40 patients during an 11-hour shift without a proper lunch break. He further mentioned, “There’s also all the behind-the-scenes work, like blood tests and hospital letters.” To ensure staff are not rushed, his practice has capped pre-booked appointments at 25 per day for each team member and extended appointment durations from 10 minutes to 15 minutes. This adjustment, he explained, “allows more quality discussion and decision-making with the patient.” He elaborated, “You couldn’t do justice to them in 10 minutes. There’s no way to be as thorough as you want. That’s where you can miss things.” The surgery is also contemplating discontinuing services for which it receives no government funding, such as ear syringing. He added, “Doing unpaid work takes time and money away from things we are paid for, and sadly we don’t have the resources.” The Local Democracy Reporting Service indicates that numerous GP practices nationwide are ceasing or scaling back certain services as part of a coordinated effort. Despite increasing demand and financial pressures, the service has seen some enhancements, including digital technology improving patient communication. Dr. Shekhawat also affirmed that being a GP remains “still as rewarding as ever.” He concluded, “The job satisfaction is still there helping people in your community.” A spokesperson for the DHSC stated: “The NHS workforce has been overworked for years, with staff burnt out and demoralised.” The spokesperson continued, “Fixing the NHS will take time, but our 10-Year Health Plan will build a health service fit for the future – with the right people, in the right places to deliver the care patients need.” They added, “We will also hire an extra 1,000 GPs into the NHS by the end of this year, having already put an extra £311m funding into GP practices.”