Welsh GPs concerned over patient care this winter

A recent survey has revealed that Welsh GPs are concerned that pressures on the health service will negatively affect their ability to deliver patient care this winter.

The Royal College of General Practitioners says that 84 per cent of RCGP Wales members surveyed expressed concern that increased workload will negatively affect their ability to deliver patient care this winter, with 96 per cent saying their workload increased in winter months and 94 per cent reporting that increasing numbers of patients are seeing their GP every winter.

The responses indicate a ‘pressing need to boost the GP workforce’, with RCGP Wales calling for an increase in the number of GP training places in Wales, which are significantly behind the rest of the UK.

Peter Saul, joint chair of Royal College of General Practitioners Wales, said: "These results are a stark reminder of the pressing need to boost the GP workforce. The number of GP training places per patient is well below the rest of the United Kingdom, meaning there aren't enough GPs coming into the workforce. The Welsh NHS needs to build a strong and resilient NHS workforce, including through the recruitment of GPs and other primary care professionals.

"This is not going to happen in time for this winter. It will likely be a trying time, both for those working in the NHS and patients trying to access services. We would strongly encourage patients to consider the variety of options available to them in primary care, making appropriate use of valuable NHS resources. The recent 'Choose Well' relaunch highlighted the effective role pharmacists can play in primary care. There are a number of other primary care healthcare professionals who can help patients and these all should be considered. NHS Direct Wales can be a valuable source of information, and we also need to see common sense approaches like at-risk groups receiving their flu vaccine."