Patient experience of access to Primary Care Service - GP

Appointment allocation is on a first come, first served basis which may create inequalities in access for patients and not attend to patients with the highest health needs. G.P. Surgeries are a vital first port of call for people who need care; they are the main ‘gatekeeper’ to other services. If people cannot get an appointment with a G.P. Surgery, not only can their health and wellbeing be put at risk, but the demand on already overstretched hospitals gets worse. People are not always aware of the alternative primary care options and may go to A&E if there is nowhere else to go, or their condition may deteriorate, leading to increased treatment and care because they couldn’t get help sooner.