In many parts of the country GP surgeries are having trouble
recruiting Doctors and Practice Nurses.
What impact is this having on patients and the care they
receive?
My guess:
·
There will be a shortage of appointments, so
patients will have to wait longer to see a GP.
·
Telephone lines will be even busier so it
will be harder to contact the surgery.
·
Patients will be asked (forced) to see someone
other than a GP. This may be a Practice
Nurse or a pharmacist.
·
More locum staff may be employed.
·
Practices may close completely.
·
Surgeries will close their lists to new
patients.
·
Branch surgeries will be closed.
New patients will have to join another practice which may
be some distance away from their home.
This will put
pressure on these other practices as they get more patients joining the
practice and the cycle continues.