This week I had the pleasure of visiting another of my constituency’s GP surgeries: Stowhealth. Having recently received an Outstanding rating from the CQC I was keen to see how this large busy practice is coping with ever increasing demand.
GPs run like most small businesses having to deal with the daily challenges of keeping everything in order. Things like buildings, equipment and resources so that they and their employees can focus on the most important issue: patient outcomes.
The practice was exemplary in the way it thought about patients’ needs. It has developed systems to allow individuals to access services themselves. For example, monitoring their own blood pressure. When patients manage their condition well, sometimes there is no need for an appointment. Surgery time can therefore be used in the most effective manner for priority cases. In my view, allowing us to take on more responsibility for managing our own health seems sensible as pressure on the system rises.
The surgery offered a number of alternative treatments such as acupuncture and the ability to purchase supplements in a regulated environment. There was a gym staffed by a professional to help the physiotherapist with rehabilitation work or to assist an individual’s recovery or weight loss, thereby empowering the patient.
A controlled environment and a good working relationship with local consultants allowed for many minor procedures to be carried out in the surgery, minimising trips and congestion in our larger hospitals.
Up and down the country each week it is estimated that GPs see 1 million patients. They are an integral part of our healthcare system. They are, however, under immense strain. GP recruitment is challenging and, as in many parts of our wonderful NHS, there is a need for an honest conversation.
At this surgery they are taking a lead in the Suffolk GP Federation’s push to support the recruitment of GPs across the county – and I want to support this where I can. The GP Fellowship Scheme is designed by doctors for doctors and is supported by the CCGs and hospitals.
Is this really an issue some of you may ask, particularly if you’re fit and healthy.
Yes. Many GPs have raised concerns with me that recruitment within their profession as an issue.
Numerous factors have been highlighted including training, pay, medical indemnity, excessive paperwork and workload, revalidation, pensions and ongoing career development, but the bottom line is that without sufficient numbers coming into the profession the ability to treat ever greater numbers will be impossible.
The irony is most of us want to be treated locally and to stay in our own homes for as long as we can. Great primary care delivery through the GP network, assisted by other healthcare professionals being allowed to do their job optimally is the way to achieve it.
Ensuring that we can provide that, not only in my constituency but across Suffolk and beyond and, that patient expectations and government aspirations of a 7 day service, where appropriate are made possible – this is a campaign I wish to back.