29
Sep 2020
GPs told they must offer face-to-face appointments to patients
NHS England is writing to all GP practices to ensure they are communicating to patients the fact that doctors can be seen in person as well as virtually, if necessary.
NHS Digital have said that 50 per cent of the 102 million GP appointments from March to July were by phone call or video.
NHS England said research suggested that just under two thirds of the public were content to have a video or phone call with their GP, but that before the onset of winter, they wanted to make sure people were aware that they could see their GP in person if needed.
NHS England’s medical director of primary care, Nikki Kanani, said GP’s had adapted quickly during the pandemic to offer remote consultations and “safe face-to-face care when needed”.
She went on to say “While many people, particularly those most vulnerable to Covid-19, want the convenience of a consultation over the phone or video, the NHS has been and will continue to offer face-to-face appointments and I would urge anyone who feels they need medical support to come forward so they can get the care, support and advice they need – the NHS is here for you.”
Professor Martin Marshall, chairman of the Royal College of GPs, said general practice was “open and has been throughout the pandemic”, with a primarily remote service to help stop the spread of coronavirus.
He said “The college does not want to see general practice become a totally, or even mostly, remote service post-pandemic.
“However, we are still in the middle of a pandemic. We need to consider infection control and limit footfall in GP surgeries – all in line with NHS England’s current guidance.”
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Posted by Karen Motley, Clinical Negligence Department, Chadwick Lawrence LLP (tonymay@chadlaw.co.uk ), medical negligence lawyers and clinical negligence solicitors in Huddersfield, Leeds, Wakefield and Halifax, West Yorkshire.
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