THE EASING OF LOCKDOWN CAUSES NERVOUS BRITS TO SEEK ALTERNATIVE GP APPOINTMENTS

WHILE MOST restrictions have now been lifted, including social distancing and mask wearing, two thirds of Brits’ still plan to continue wearing masks this summer[1], as many remain concerned about the continued spread of coronavirus – and this concern is also having an impact on GP appointments.

On-demand GP service, Gogodoc, has reported a 33% increase in enquiries since most restrictions were lifted on 19th July, as more people are looking for contact free ways to see their doctor due to greater concerns about contracting COVID-19 – concerns may include traveling to a GP practice either on public transport or the relaxing of restrictions like social distancing in GP waiting rooms.

Gogodoc appointments can be made virtually, and patients can choose between phone, video call or home visit consultations, meaning there is no need to visit your GP practice in person – something which many people are clearly still quite keen to avoid. This offers a handy alternative, to ease pressure on the NHS and offer instant care to patients.

It’s not just the relaxing of restrictions which is putting people off visiting their GP practice – doctor shortages due to an increase in track and trace pings could also be playing a factor, with over 600,000 people notified by the NHS app to self-isolate between 8 and 15 July[2]. This is putting increased strain on already stretched NHS practices and patients are reporting long delays when it comes to seeing their GP.

Patients such as Jill Davis, a 73-year-old widow from Gloucestershire, found herself unable to see her GP despite suffering from iron deficient anaemia. Jill’s health took a turn for the worse due to her chronic illness, however when she rang her family practice, she was disappointed to discover that her usual doctor was no longer available to see and another doctor at the practice wouldn’t be free for an appointment for the next two weeks.

Instead, Jill was able to make a same day over the phone appointment with Gogodoc. The Gogodoc GP spoke in depth about the best course of action, keeping Jill from feeling rushed and meaning she could take her time explaining how she felt.

Dr Ashish Srivastava, Medical Director from Gogodoc said: “Whilst the NHS is this country’s biggest asset, it is facing increasing pressures and complications as we head out of the pandemic”.

“We have seen a significant increase in enquiries for both virtual and home visit appointments since the 19th July when we came out of lockdown, and it’s clear that people are concerned about mixing with other potentially unwell people as mask wearing and social distancing is no longer mandatory”.

“Other things to consider are staff shortages due to the increases in people being told to isolate. This is leaving GP practices without key members of the team and patients being unable to see their usual medical professionals”.

“Gogodoc gives both the over pressured NHS and concerned patients extra support. Patients can get same day appointments via the phone or over a video call, or even arrange a home visit to avoid coming into contact with other sick patients and reduces the long wait to see a GP.”