Massive drop in people seeing their GPs in Sheffield for fear of being a burden

The Royal College of GPs has urged patients to seek help if they need it, and said surgeries must have adequate resources to cope with a predicted increase in demand as the lockdown eases.

However, the NHS says changes in how practices operate during the pandemic may have affected the figures, with remote sessions underreported.

NHS Digital data shows patients booked in to see their doctor on 198,576 occasions in the NHS Sheffield CCG area in April.

This was down 27 per cent from 271,898 in April 2019.

Dr Terry Hudsen, GP and NHS Sheffield clinical commissioning group chairman, said: “I want to reassure people that GP practices are open and offering appointments to those who need our help.

“We are working differently to keep both patients and staff safe, which means patients will be offered a telephone conversation with a GP or nurse in the first instance.

“If it’s necessary for the patient, we do offer have a face-to-face consultations, but these aren’t as common as before the pandemic to protect people’s safety.

“We do know there are some people who will be putting off seeing their GP during the pandemic either because they don’t want to be burden on the NHS while it’s busy, or because they are worried about the virus.

“The practice staff will be wearing special equipment to protect the patient and themselves from the virus.

“Practices are being deep cleaned regularly and patients will be given clear instructions on how to keep safe when entering the surgery.

“If you notice a change to your body, develop new symptoms or have a long-term condition that is getting worse, please don’t put off getting it checked. Contact your GP on their usual number - you’re not wasting their time.”

Research shows more than two-thirds of consultations are being carried out remotely, either by phone or video.

In Sheffield, 39 per cent of sessions were logged as having been completed over the phone in April, significantly up from just 15 per cent a year previously.

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