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Seeing a GP 'getting more difficult' Seeing a GP 'getting more difficult'
(about 2 hours later)
Getting to see a GP in England is getting more difficult, the official patient survey shows.Getting to see a GP in England is getting more difficult, the official patient survey shows.
The poll of more than 900,000 patients found that, in the last two years, the proportion saying it was not easy to get through on the phone rose from 18% to 24%.The poll of more than 900,000 patients found that, in the last two years, the proportion saying it was not easy to get through on the phone rose from 18% to 24%.
When they did get through 11% were unable to get an appointment, the Ipsos MORI poll for NHS England showed.When they did get through 11% were unable to get an appointment, the Ipsos MORI poll for NHS England showed.
But overall 75% rated the experience of making an appointment as good.But overall 75% rated the experience of making an appointment as good.
When they did get to see a doctor, or for some a practice nurse, 86% said their overall experience was good.When they did get to see a doctor, or for some a practice nurse, 86% said their overall experience was good.
'Waits will become normal''Waits will become normal'
It comes after the British Medical Association (BMA) warned last week that patients would face longer waits to see a GP because of a shortage of doctors and squeeze on funding.It comes after the British Medical Association (BMA) warned last week that patients would face longer waits to see a GP because of a shortage of doctors and squeeze on funding.
Speaking at the BMA's annual conference, BMA GP leader, Dr Chaand Nagpaul, said waits of one or two weeks would "become the norm".Speaking at the BMA's annual conference, BMA GP leader, Dr Chaand Nagpaul, said waits of one or two weeks would "become the norm".
This survey does not measure that, but it does show that access is becoming a problem for a growing minority.This survey does not measure that, but it does show that access is becoming a problem for a growing minority.
As well as 11% not being able to make an appointment, 8% of those getting an appointment felt it was at an inconvenient time.As well as 11% not being able to make an appointment, 8% of those getting an appointment felt it was at an inconvenient time.
When asked about out-of-hours care, which most GPs opt out of providing themselves, two-thirds rated it as good with 17% saying it was poor - up from 13% two years ago.
GPs argue the problem is caused by rising demands not being matched with by a corresponding rise in resources.GPs argue the problem is caused by rising demands not being matched with by a corresponding rise in resources.
The number of annual consultations carried out by general practice has risen by 40 million since 2008, hitting 340 million at the last count.The number of annual consultations carried out by general practice has risen by 40 million since 2008, hitting 340 million at the last count.
Meanwhile, figures from the Royal College of GPs (RCGP) show the amount spent on practices has fallen by £400m in real terms over the last three years.Meanwhile, figures from the Royal College of GPs (RCGP) show the amount spent on practices has fallen by £400m in real terms over the last three years.
In 2012-13, £8.5bn was invested in general practice, when everything from spending on pay, IT, tests and drugs was taken into account, the RCGP research found.In 2012-13, £8.5bn was invested in general practice, when everything from spending on pay, IT, tests and drugs was taken into account, the RCGP research found.
That compared with £8.3bn in 2009-10, which is the equivalent of £8.9bn in 2012-13 prices.That compared with £8.3bn in 2009-10, which is the equivalent of £8.9bn in 2012-13 prices.
'Majority positive''Majority positive'
The Department of Health has already recognised access to GPs is an issue.The Department of Health has already recognised access to GPs is an issue.
It has launched a £50m Challenge Fund to extend opening hours and make greater use of technologies such as Skype and email.It has launched a £50m Challenge Fund to extend opening hours and make greater use of technologies such as Skype and email.
More than 1,100 practices - one in eight of those in England - have signed up.More than 1,100 practices - one in eight of those in England - have signed up.
Dr David Geddes, from NHS England, said: "Overall, these results show that the majority of patients are positive about their GP services, which is testament to the hard work of GPs and their staff.Dr David Geddes, from NHS England, said: "Overall, these results show that the majority of patients are positive about their GP services, which is testament to the hard work of GPs and their staff.
"But we need to recognise the continuing trend in what patients are telling us about access to services.""But we need to recognise the continuing trend in what patients are telling us about access to services."
However, Shadow Health Secretary Andy Burnham warned: "It is getting harder and harder to get a GP appointment under David Cameron.However, Shadow Health Secretary Andy Burnham warned: "It is getting harder and harder to get a GP appointment under David Cameron.
"The next Labour Government will invest £100m to help patients to get appointments within 48 hours or on the same day for those who need it.""The next Labour Government will invest £100m to help patients to get appointments within 48 hours or on the same day for those who need it."