Carnforth GP: Under funding is affecting patient care

Dr David Wrigley, a GP at Ashtrees Surgey, was invited to attend the British Medical Association (BMA) Urgent Prescription for General Practice Afternoon Tea in Westminster.

He met with local MPs and peers to discuss some of the issues and challenges facing general practice in the Lancaster and Morecambe area.

Dr Wrigley said: “GPs across Lancashire and the rest of the UK are facing unprecedented pressure, desperately trying to deliver effective patient care at a time when funding is completely inadequate to meet the increasing demand, especially from our ageing population.

“Worryingly, nine in ten GPs have told the BMA that their workload has negatively impacted on the quality of care that they give to their patients, almost 300 GP practices across the country believe they are financially unsustainable, and around a third of GPs intend to retire in the next five years.

“This event was a welcome opportunity to discuss with MPs the challenges we’re facing, particularly focusing on how we can continue to provide a first rate service to the public despite the enormous pressure general practice is under.

“For the future of patient care, it is important that we continue to raise awareness of these issues.

“It is time the government implements an immediate rescue plan to tackle the problems highlighted by the BMA’s Urgent Prescription for General Practice campaign and ensure the long-term future of general practice across England.”