Home / Health / NHS Maze: Patients Fight For Care Clarity
NHS Maze: Patients Fight For Care Clarity
11 Oct
Summary
- 64% of patients contacted GPs about hospital care concerns.
- 86% unsure who to contact for healthcare information.
- 40% of GPs spend fifth of time chasing specialist care.
Patients are struggling to navigate the NHS, with many left confused about their care pathways and forced to "fight their way through" for updates. A recent survey found 64% of individuals contacted their GP while waiting for hospital services, seeking information on referrals, appointments, and test results.
Over 86% of respondents admitted to being unsure who to contact about their healthcare. This confusion has led to significant anxiety and worry for nearly half of those affected, with 34% experiencing delays in treatment. Experts warn this situation adds immense pressure to already strained GP surgeries.
Royal College of GPs president Professor Victoria Tzortziou Brown highlighted that general practice should not be the default for chasing information held elsewhere. Bureaucracy and incompatible IT systems hinder GPs from easily accessing patient data. This consumes valuable appointment time that could be spent on direct patient care.
The RCGP is urging the government to collaborate with patients and healthcare professionals to design clearer care pathways and implement referral tracking systems. They have launched a petition, gathering over 10,000 signatures, to address the "maze" patients face when seeking medical attention.
