Call to improve access to GPs

#stuc15 The STUC will lobby for GPs to be more available to patients to reduce pressure on emergency and other front-line, diagnostic services.

UNISON Health’s Catriona Beveridge told delegates that it is not appropriate for GP facilities only to be available during the traditional hours they work whilst the rest of the NHS has extended access.

“It is time for GPs to help to provide additional care through such measures telephone consultations, extended GP hours, extended hours for nurses within surgeries and increased numbers of nurses, and providing minor ailment/injury clinics.

“This would not only help take pressure off front-line services but would bring GPs and other staff working in surgeries closer to their wider NHS colleagues and work towards reducing the amount of time patients currently spend waiting for and attending appointments within acute services that really should not be necessary.”