RCGP responds to ‘remarkable’ general practice consultation data

Responding to the latest GP consultation figures from NHS Digital, Professor Martin Marshall, Chair of the Royal College of GPs, said:

“The data speaks for itself, GPs and our teams continue to do a remarkable job, delivering 26m consultations to patients this July, significantly more than in July 2019 before the pandemic, with 44.3% delivered on the day they were booked. This is testament to the hard work and dedication of GP teams, working in the face of intense workload and workforce challenges, to deliver timely, appropriate care for their patients.

“The figures speak to the resilience of most general practice teams who despite delivering care for an increasing number of patients, with health needs that are becoming more complex, alongside falling numbers of fully-qualified, full time GPs, are finding ways to continue operating and do their best for patients.

“But this is unsustainable. General practice is struggling and needs support. This is why the College has launched Fit for the Future, and we urge the Government to take heed of our calls. We want to see a new recruitment and retention strategy that goes beyond the target of 6,000 GPs pledged by government in their election manifesto, plus investment in our IT systems and steps to cut bureaucracy so that we can deliver the safe high-quality care that our patients need and deserve.”

Further information

RCGP Press office: 0203 188 7659
press@rcgp.org.uk

Notes to editor

The Royal College of General Practitioners is a network of more than 52,000 family doctors working to improve care for patients. We work to encourage and maintain the highest standards of general medical practice and act as the voice of GPs on education, training, research and clinical standards.