Patients who have visited their GP more than once in past years ‘have never seen same medic’, finds poll
NEARLY half of adults who have visited their GP more than once in the last couple of years have never seen or rarely see the same medic, new polling finds.
The study also found that of this cohort nearly one five, some 18 per cent, say they just haven’t seen the same doctor in the past few years.
Ministers are being warned that the family doctor is a “thing of the past” as different professionals step in to deliver treatment.
A staggering 27 per cent of those aged 65 are left never seeing the same doctor despite research showing it can help avoid hospital admissions.
It comes after the British Medical Journal found those who had the same doctor for 15 years or longer had a 25 per cent lower chance of dying – compared to those with a GP lasting less than a year
The south east of England is seen as the worst region for booking in with the same GP each time – with 25 per cent never seeing the same medic.
The Liberal Democrats will ensure anyone aged over 70 and also those with long-term health ailments will have access to a named GP.
Liberal Democrats leader Ed Davey said: “It is a scandal that under this government’s watch, the family GP has become a thing of the past.
“Pensioners are not receiving the care they need because doctor surgeries are swamped, leaving waiting times spiralling out of control.
“We need a return to the family GP, starting with older people and those with long-term health conditions.
“We want to see the return of the named GP, so patients with complex care needs see the same GP and don’t have to waste time going over the same details every time they see a doctor.
“This would provide vital personalised care for those who need it most, helping people lead healthier lives, independently in their own homes wherever possible.”