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Procedures and Paperwork

Too long a wait for doctor!

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15/10/2019 at 09:53

I saw this article this morning and it explains a lot of what I've been going through trying to find a proper specialist. Has anyone else been waiting far too long to see even a GP? I'm at my wits end!

https://www.scotsman.com/health/doctor-shortages-pushing-scottish-nhs-to-breaking-point-1-5023431

Doctor shortages pushing Scottish NHS to ‘breaking point’

Doctor shortages are jeopardising patient safety and rota gaps are pushing the NHS to “breaking point”, Scottish physicians have warned.

A lack of doctors in NHS Scotland due to unfilled vacancies, sick leave and a shortage of staff is often putting patients’ welfare at risk, a survey of consultants has found.

More than a third of Scottish doctors (34 per cent) reported, in the Royal Colleges’ annual census, that trainee rota gaps occurred at least daily, while 16 per cent warned they are causing “significant patient safety problems”.

A further 78 per cent of those who responded said rota gaps potentially cause patient safety problems, but that there are solutions in place.

Just 6 per cent reported that rota gaps had no impact on patient safety.

The survey of 5,826 doctors, published by the Edinburgh, Glasgow and London royal colleges of physicians, showed that the number of posts needing to be filled across the NHS significantly outnumbers the supply of physicians.

“This situation now risks plunging our profession into a downward spiral which contributes to further workforce shortages and rota gaps,” said Professor Jackie Taylor, the president of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow.

Prof Taylor warned that the shortages are affecting both doctors and patients, and said: “The wellbeing of doctors is suffering because of the increased workforce pressures that we face.

“That’s why we urgently need a comprehensive plan to address the serious issues that this census raises, so we can reduce the stress that doctors are under and take steps to retain practitioners within the NHS.”

In Scotland, where there is currently one consultant doctor per 3,987 of the population, almost three-quarters of respondents (73 per cent) said that gaps or vacancies most negatively affected their work-life balance.

“This census provides the definitive picture of the state of the medical profession across the UK today,” Prof Taylor said.

“It makes clear that, despite the commitment and professionalism of doctors up and down the country, the pressures that we face on a day-to-day basis are becoming more acute. These results show that we are now at breaking point.

“I look forward to using these results to continue our work to stand up for the medical profession and ensure that politicians and policymakers act now on the issues we’ve raised.”

Responding to the survey, a Scottish Government spokeswoman said: “NHS staffing remains at historically high levels, with consultant numbers increasing 49.3 per cent since 2006 while 190 extra medical undergraduates have been approved.”

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avatar Michael_B

Michael_B

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17/10/2019 at 11:03

Good advisor

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Michael_B

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Last activity on 25/08/2020 at 17:48

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204 comments posted | 7 in the Procedures and Paperwork group

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Hello @Lassanahalf‍ and welcome to the forum. Yes a shortage of GP seems to be a problem all around the developed world.

Have you managed to find a doctor you feel comfortable with? And if so, how did you do it? I'm sure the community could find your experiences helpful.

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Michael_B, Community Manager, Carenity UK


Too long a wait for doctor! https://www.carenity.co.uk/forum/other-discussions/procedures-and-paperwork/too-long-a-wait-for-doctor-2938 2019-10-17 11:03:26

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19/01/2024 at 10:58

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Last activity on 13/03/2025 at 22:26

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87 comments posted | 1 in the Procedures and Paperwork group

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i have just spent 26 days in hospital. my GP surgery has two options for booking appointments. either join the general bunfight on the phoneline at8am or do an e-consult. however even that is now getting stupid. after a long delay in discharge i got home at 9pm. the followingmorning i tried tobook an e-consult at 10am to have the system say they were fully booked for the day. A phone call To the surgery receptionist was unsuccessful in obtaining an appointment, despite the fact major items need to be discussed with the GP, especially regarding pain relief. seriously ill people can not get appointments for days on end. i have already been told 111 is useless for my particular case because i am too complex.


Too long a wait for doctor! https://www.carenity.co.uk/forum/other-discussions/procedures-and-paperwork/too-long-a-wait-for-doctor-2938 2024-01-19 10:58:25

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