Devon GP says 'demand is high' – BBC News

Doctors at a GP surgery in Devon say every day is a "heartbreaking" struggle to meet the "overwhelming" demand for services.

A GP at Honiton Surgery said it was "very difficult to be a good doctor" given the current workload.

A receptionist at the practice said one of the biggest challenges was "aggressive patients".

The Department of Health and Social Care says it is making the system more sustainable by "ensuring we train thousands of GPs".

Those who work at Honiton Surgery say they want better funding from the government and a conversation about what the NHS can offer.

Dr Jennie Button, who is the surgery’s co-ordinator, said more than 20 doctors and 30 support staff who worked there struggled to cope with the demands of almost 18,000 patients.

"The demand." [for our services] It’s really overwhelming if I’m honest," he said.

"As a professional, with professional standards, it’s very difficult to be a good GP when you’re dealing with this much work.

"I feel very emotional about it."

He said the struggle was "heartbreaking".

Dr Paul Hynam, GP partner, said: “Physicians come into general practice because they want to provide holistic care to patients and a good continuity of care.

"We are desperate like sick people right now but we can’t do it.

"There is tremendous pressure on nominations."

Michelle Parratt, director of patient services and head of reception, said she has worked there for 15 years and has never worked like this.

"One of the biggest pressures on myself and my team is aggressive patients.

"Many patients are tired of waiting.

"[Those] working on the front line, the team must bear it.

“It’s very difficult.

"It’s something we’ve seen more of — we haven’t necessarily had a zero-tolerance policy on abuse."

Dissatisfaction with GP services is one of the main reasons for this.

It found that 52% of respondents said "making it easier to get GP appointments" was the biggest NHS priority.

Honiton Surgery patients Pip and Ian Morison said it was very difficult to get an appointment.

"The phone calls make me angry, because you’ve been on the phone for years, waiting to get in," Ms Morison said.

"But I’m used to it now. It puts me off trying to make time, but I’d rather go to chemistry."

Mr Morison agreed and said the appointment was a "pain".

"It’s easier to come here in person instead of staying on the phone," he said.

“They are very open.

"But when you get time here, it’s great".

But staff at Honiton Surgery have an even bigger wish list for change.

"General practice needs to be given its fair share of funding in the NHS. General practice sees 95% of all NHS contacts, and 8% of funding in the 'only the NHS gets. I think most people will think it’s very strange,' said Dr Hynam.

"And the funding needs to go directly into the general practice contract so that GPs can use it in a way that’s easy to use to use the people they need to use."

That sentiment was echoed by IT manager Oliver Beavers.

"Personally, the pay is a challenge. I think it takes a certain type of person to work in medicine, because we know the admissions, the money you can get for the work you go to do is limited."

Dr Button says he wants to see an end to confusing messages to patients.

"I know patients are being directed to see their doctor when they go online, when they look at NHS websites for advice, even when reading on the back of the paracetamol packet it says your doctor.

"That’s why the offer to enter should be more clear."

"And because of the pandemic, we seem to have lost the message about how to keep yourself healthy. So instead of just seeing your doctor in a crisis, we need to stop people from getting sick in the first place."

Dr Barry Coakley has spent most of his career working in the NHS in South West England and divides his time between his work as a GP in Honiton, and his role as Deputy Medical Officer him in the Local Integrated Care Board (ICB). ).

“We have a lot of people who work every day to overcome these challenges.

"Some of these things we can do now, but some need a little more organization.

"But I’m sure if we work together with everyone – doctors, patients, politicians – I’m sure we can find a way."

A spokesman for the Department of Health and Social Care said: "This government is determined to tackle problems in general practice, which are essential to making the NHS work for to come

"We will increase the proportion of resources that go into primary care in time and help solve the problems faced by GPs.

"We will also make the future of general practice sustainable by ensuring the training of thousands of doctors, and shifting the focus of care to hospitals and the community."

But in general, Dr Button believes that positive changes in primary care will come down to one thing.

"I really feel that we need a real and honest debate about what the NHS can deliver, what the British taxpayer can pay for, what the NHS can deliver and what it can’t. Let’s reset expectations."

Despite the challenges, there is hope at Honiton Surgery.

"I am very optimistic about the NHS," said Dr Coakley.

"I think the NHS has challenges, but I think there’s every reason to be positive."