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Local NHS urges patients to #BeKind as GP practices face growing pressure

Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Clinical Commissioning Group has joined forces with Cambs LMC, the local representative organisation for GP practices, to raise awareness why GP Practices are working differently than before the pandemic.

Practices across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough adapted with remarkable speed to new ways of working that were instated at the start of the pandemic, offering face-to-face, telephone and online appointments throughout the COVID-19 outbreak. The COVID-19 pandemic is not over, which is why it’s vital to keep both patients and staff safe, that they maintain safe infection control and minimise unnecessary physical contact.

In July 2021 alone, GP practices in the area held over 422,973 appointments, taking up to 40,000 calls a day between them. Amidst this pressure GP practice staff are facing unacceptable abuse and threatening behaviour from patients.

The new campaign explains how GP practices have continued to offer support to patients through their new ways of working, and stresses that the local NHS takes a zero tolerance approach to abuse and aggression.

The COVID-19 pandemic is not over. Our GP practices have worked hard to ensure their patients have been able to get the medical support they need throughout the pandemic and continue to do so. It is vital, to keep both patients and staff safe, we maintain safe infection control and minimise unnecessary physical contact.

Yes, practices are open for business, but all appointments are being triaged first. This helps to keep you safe and means those with the greatest medical need are seen first. If you need to be seen in person, you will be offered an in person appointment.

Triage is how we find out more about the support you need, including if you need to be seen in person, via a phone consultation, via a video consultation, or could get help from a community pharmacy.

Receptionists are trained to triage patients effectively and will always treat all the information they are given confidentially. They are a vital part of our health teams and will only ask the questions they need to connect you to the right support.

We will make sure you see the right person as soon as possible. This could include an advanced nurse practitioner or community pharmacist, who are trained to diagnose and treat a range of health conditions.

If it is a life-threatening emergency call 999 immediately. If you need help with minor injuries or urgent care when your GP practice or pharmacy is closed then visit 111.nhs.uk or call 111.

The NHS website – www.nhs.uk – offers advice on a range of common conditions. You can also speak to your local pharmacist for advice on minor illnesses, such as colds, allergies, skin conditions and more. You can find your nearest pharmacy here: nhs.uk/service-search/find-a-pharmacy/

27/09/2021

Access to GPs poster