Consultation numbers in general practice continue to exceed pre-pandemic levels

The Royal College of GPs has responded to the latest figures on consultation numbers

Dr Gary Howsam, vice chair of the Royal College of GPs, said the following. “Recent figures show just how hard GPs and our teams are continuing to work in the face of intense workload and workforce pressures, delivering more consultations overall than the same month pre-pandemic, with almost half made on the same day they were booked, and continuing to have an important role in the COVID vaccination programme.

“As we move out of the pandemic, it is right that patients are able to access GP care and services in a variety of ways, based on their health needs and preferences – this has long been the College’s position. Many patients will prefer to see their GP in person, but many also find remote consulting convenient and effective, and we know that good, safe and appropriate care can be delivered remotely.

“General practice is the bedrock of the health service with GPs and our teams making the vast majority of NHS patient contacts and in turn alleviating pressures across the health service. We urgently need the government to make good on its promise of 6,000 more GPs and 26,000 more members of the wider practice team by 2024, so that we can continue to deliver the care our patients need.”