GP Appointment Challenges Posted or Updated on 13 Aug 2025

Why Getting a GP Appointment May Be More Challenging

At The Panton Practice, we value prompt, courteous, and confidential care for all our patients. However, we know many patients are finding it more difficult to book GP appointments than in the past. This is a result of wider pressures across the NHS, rather than the Practice lacking care or willingness to provide a service.

People are living longer, which often comes with more complex health needs. In April 2024 alone, GPs carried out 30.7 million consultations—a 20% rise compared to April 2019—with 13.6 million (45%) delivered same-day. Despite the increases in consultations, recruitment and retention of GPs remain challenging. As a result, the number of GPs per patient has been declining.

To manage this and ensure every patient gets the care they need, we use a triage system – often through tools like eConsult, to review each appointment request so we can direct patients to the most appropriate clinician quickly and efficiently. This person may or may not be a GP as our team includes a wide range of skilled health care professionals who work alongside our GPs, such as

• Urgent Care Practitioners – assess and treat urgent health issues
• Nurse Practitioners – diagnose and prescribe for many common conditions
• Mental Health Practitioners – provide emotional and psychological support
• Clinical Pharmacists – manage medications and offer prescribing advice
• Physiotherapists – help with joint, muscle, and movement problems
• Social Prescribers – connect patients with community-based support

Working as a team in this way ensures patients are seen promptly and by the right clinician, given the nature and urgency of their needs.

Thank you for your patience and understanding as we continue to meet rising demand with limited resources.