A big change will soon be made to GP appointments as doctors warn patients will 'suffer most'. The NHS is set to implement a change from May 15 that will mean if GPs cannot offer an appointment right away they will be obliged to provide people with an assessment there and then.
Alternatively, they can signpost them to an "appropriate medical service", as reported by Birmingham Live. This has been criticised by the general practitioners committee, which says the change will increase workloads without the support needed and lead to GPs quitting.
Dr Kieran Sharrock, acting chairman of the general practitioners committee in England, said: “Without investment to do more, practices have to free up resources from elsewhere. This hasn’t been properly considered. Ramping up GP workload, and without the support needed, will lead to more GPs leaving the profession.
