Around 14.2 million or 34 per cent of patients feel that the waiting time for their GP appointment took ‘too long’, while a further 10 per cent of patients say that their needs were not at all met at their last appointment.
According to the NHS England GP Patient Survey 2024, nearly 38 per cent of patients found it difficult to reach their GP over the phone.
Almost the same amount of respondents had trouble reaching their GP via the NHS App (39 per cent) and the GP’s website (37 per cent). Furthermore, 23 per cent of patients were unsure about what to do next following their most recent contact effort.
Broadstone client consulting director Emily Jones says: “Despite GP care being a critical first line of defense for our health, many patients struggle to get appointments, face extended waiting times and are confused about the outcomes of their consultation.
“This trend represents millions of missed opportunities to identify and manage conditions like hypertension and high cholesterol, increasing the risk of more severe conditions and absenteeism and low productivity among the working-age population.
“In response to these challenges, employer-funded digital GP services, onsite health checks and screenings are emerging as a vital means of bridging the healthcare gap for the UK workforce and supporting access to timely, effective medical care.
“By leveraging technology and prioritising preventative care, employers, insurers and occupational health providers are increasingly working in partnership to proactively create a more resilient and efficient workplace healthcare system that supports the health of the workforce and the broader community.”
