NHS GP waiting times: What does that mean for you?
Winter viruses and seasonal flu’s, slips and falls, staff shortages are all major reasons why the NHS is under pressure heading into the Christmas period. Despite the NHS making huge strides to reduce patient waiting lists and emergency cover being provided along with some basic staffing on wards, the NHS has advised that work is still ongoing to cut those dreaded waiting times.
Consider your healthcare needs and the importance of having fast access to treatment. Are you aware you might have access to Virtual GPs through some private medical insurance cover?
The current availability and waiting times to see a GP within local surgery varies significantly across the country with 24% of patients reporting their appointments took place a few days after they phoned to book and a further 24% waiting a week or more later*. Through the Virtual GP app, you could book a same day or next day appointment to speak to a medical professional, from the comfort of your own home and gain a referral or be prescribed a prescription.
This winter, don’t let stories of critical waiting times add more stress, keep your options open and speak to an adviser who might be able to elevate this problem so you can be at ease and concentrate on other things.
Source: *Paddison, C. (2023) How long are patients waiting for a GP appointment in England? Nuffield Trust. https://www.nuffieldtrust.org.uk/news-item/how-long-are-patients-waiting-for-a-gp-appointment-in-england
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