Waiting to see a doctor is frustrating, but it’s a problem that most Brits are all too familiar with.
NHS data shows that in April 2024, over 1.6 million people had to wait more than 28 days to see their GP. This figure has been slowly climbing since February, reflecting chronic issues and failures in hospital trusts across the UK.
Unfortunately, there’s a strong correlation between these excessive wait times and ill health.
The effect of longer waits for GP services
- Delayed diagnosis
Timely diagnosis and appropriate prescriptions improve the chances of a successful recovery, especially for patients with serious conditions. Long waiting times can lead to exacerbated health before the situation is addressed, which may trigger the need for more costly and complex treatment.
- Increased anxiety
The worry and uncertainty of waiting for a medical appointment can take a toll mentally, too. ONS survey results found that out of all adults who reported waiting for NHS treatment, 70% said it had a negative impact on their life. Waiting for treatment can be a considerable cause of stress, which itself can snowball into further medical issues.
- Worsening symptoms
If someone with a chronic illness can’t see their GP for regular checkups, their condition may become harder to control. As symptoms worsen, people find it difficult to cope with everyday life and may struggle to recover. Some patients have been compelled to make cancer misdiagnosis claims after excessive waiting times for treatment.
- Hesitation and avoidance
If patients know that they might face long waiting times in their area, they might be put off seeking treatment – especially for minor ailments. Whether from feeling guilty for using the NHS under strain or downplaying their own symptoms, it’s easy to find an excuse not to see a GP. But this reluctance can develop into more serious issues.
I still haven’t seen my GP. What should I do?
Finally, if you’re concerned about waiting to see your GP, try to be proactive:
- Ask about remote consultations. If you’d rather speak to a doctor sooner, it could be worth letting your healthcare team know that you’re happy to accept an appointment via telephone or video call. If your condition isn’t visible, this appointment type means your doctor can still gather all the information they need.
- Visit your pharmacist. If your condition is only minor, it could be worth visiting a pharmacy in the meantime. Remember, pharmacists are qualified medical professionals who will be able to give you impartial and accurate advice about your next steps, including any suitable medication.
- Chase it! If your symptoms are getting worse or you’re feeling increasingly anxious about your health and condition, don’t stop trying to contact your GP surgery. Though it might be frustrating to discuss your circumstances again, sometimes a different perspective helps to prioritise your appointment.