Discover the latest in health: evidence‑based wellness tips, medical breakthroughs, nutrition guidance, fitness insights, and expert advice for a healthier, happier life.
Nearly half of people in the UK are delaying or avoiding contacting their family doctor even when unwell, largely due to concerns about securing an appointment. A recent survey revealed that 48% of individuals did not consult a GP – either initially or at all – when experiencing illness over the past year. This trend raises concerns among healthcare professionals who fear that avoiding primary care could lead to worsening health outcomes.
The findings underscore a growing public anxiety surrounding access to vital NHS services, including GP appointments, emergency care (A&E), hospital treatment, and ambulance response times. The survey, conducted by Ipsos for the Health Foundation thinktank, highlights a significant barrier to care, with 30% of respondents not expecting to be offered a convenient appointment time and 17% anticipating difficulty simply reaching their practice. Access to GPs remains a key concern for Britons, with faster access to both GPs and A&E being the public’s top priorities for the National Health Service, according to the survey.
Growing Concerns About NHS Access
The reluctance to seek GP care isn’t isolated. Separate polling by Savanta, carried out for the Liberal Democrats last month, found that a third of Britons have avoided A&E departments in the past two years despite needing treatment, citing anticipated long wait times. Helen Maguire, a Liberal Democrat health spokesperson, expressed concern, stating, “Patients deserve so much better. It is heartbreaking to think of elderly people or parents with sick children sitting at home in pain because they have lost faith that the system will be there for them.”
These findings reach as the government continues to pursue a plan to shift more healthcare services from hospitals into community settings, a key component of its 10-year plan for transforming the NHS in England. However, the Health Foundation suggests that persistent public concerns about primary and emergency care access may necessitate a reassessment of these priorities. The Ipsos survey, encompassing 2,214 adults in December, also revealed a broader pessimism about the state of the NHS, with only 32% believing the service provides a fine standard of care nationally. 42% reported a worsening of care quality over the past year, while 47% anticipate further decline in the coming year, with only 15% expecting improvement.
Novel GP Contract Aims to Improve Access
The concerns are being addressed, at least in part, with the recent publication of the new GP contract for England, outlining the scope of care family doctors will provide during 2025-26. The contract mandates that GP practices provide same-day appointments for patients with urgent medical needs and allocates £300 million in funding to enable surgeries to hire an additional 1,600 doctors. You can find more information about finding a GP near you on the NHS website.
However, the British Medical Association (BMA) has voiced concerns about the new contract. Dr. Katie Bramall, chair of the BMA’s GP committee, expressed worry that the focus on same-day urgent care could create unrealistic expectations and potentially hinder access to specialist referrals. She also criticized Health Secretary Wes Streeting for not negotiating the contract with the BMA, a departure from long-standing practice. Streeting reportedly bypassed the BMA after disagreements over plans to grant patients online access to GPs during working hours, instead consulting with a range of GP and patient bodies.
Public Confidence in Government Policies Remains Low
The survey data also reveals a significant lack of public confidence in the government’s approach to the NHS. Only 15% of respondents believe the government in their nation is pursuing the right policies to revive the health service, while a substantial 54% disagree. This widespread dissatisfaction underscores the urgency of addressing the challenges facing the NHS and restoring public trust in its ability to provide timely and effective care.
Looking ahead, the success of the new GP contract and the broader shift towards community-based care will depend on addressing the underlying issues of access, funding, and workforce capacity. Continued monitoring of public sentiment and proactive engagement with healthcare professionals will be crucial to ensuring that the NHS can meet the evolving needs of the population.
What are your experiences with accessing GP services? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
Disclaimer: This article provides informational content about health and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
