This story was first published in digitalhealth.net
Three-step 'mantra' to relieve GP pressures
The Royal College of GPs (RCGP) is asking patients to adopt a new three-step 'mantra' to help relieve pressures on GP services this winter.
The ‘3 before GP' refers to three questions patients should ask themselves before booking an appointment with their GP: can I self-care?; can I use NHS Choices or similar reputable websites/resources; and can I seek advice via a pharmacist?
The college states that GP workload has increased by 16 per cent over the last seven years, but the number of GPs has not risen with demand. Over one million patients are seen across the UK every day, but recent RCGP analysis shows that patients will be waiting for an appointment with a GP or practice nurse on 100 million occasions by 2020.
Helen Stokes-Lampard, chair of the RCGP, said: "GPs are under immense pressures all year round, but, as we know, the colder months bring additional challenges. Not being able to get an appointment is frustrating for both patients and GPs, but there are a variety of alternatives to consider first and I would encourage patients with more minor illnesses to think hard about whether they actually need to see a GP. The '3 before GP' mantra is a simple and easy way to help reduce the strain on general practice, and we hope it will enable GPs to spend more time with patients who have complex health issues and are most in need of our expert help."
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