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GPs Failing Frail Patients: Audit Reveals Support Gaps
5 Dec
Summary
- Only one in six patients aged 65+ with frailty were assessed in 2024/25.
- GPs cite increasing workload and shrinking workforce for failures.
- Significant variation exists in frailty assessments across the country.
A recent report by an independent watchdog reveals significant shortcomings in the support provided by General Practitioners (GPs) to individuals living with frailty. Frailty, a syndrome associated with aging, leaves individuals with diminished body systems and increased vulnerability. Despite requirements to identify and support registered patients aged 65 and over, only one in six received an assessment in the last financial year, a notable decline from earlier periods.
GP representatives point to escalating workloads and a shrinking workforce as primary reasons for these failures. They highlight that the average GP now manages approximately 2,241 patients, an increase of over 15% in a decade. This strain directly impacts the time available for patient assessments and proactive care, making essential elements like continuity and regular follow-up increasingly challenging to maintain.
The audit also uncovered a "worrying inconsistency" in care delivery for those diagnosed with severe frailty, alongside considerable geographical variations in assessment rates. The National Audit Office head stressed the critical need for effective and consistent support, urging the NHS to leverage its 10-year plan to build a more sustainable service that meets the needs of older individuals.
