‘The demand is rising!’ GPs considering axing free services such as ear syringing as waiting lists get longer

A GP says practices can’t cope with the amount of people who need medical help.

Dr Satpal Shekhawat has seen waiting lists grow ever longer – but his practice in Kirton Lindsey has lengthened appointments to prevent mistakes from being made.

They are also looking at stopping work which they aren’t paid for by the Government, like ear syringing.

“The demand is rising year on year. We’re seeing it at our practice, but it’s across the board,” Dr Shekhawat said.

“Duty doctor shifts – when we see people who need urgent help – are the most challenging due to the severity and volume.

“I saw more than 40 people on my last one. We start at 8am and never finish before 7pm, without a proper lunch break.

“There’s also all the behind-the-scenes work, like blood tests and hospital letters.”

The surgery is now limiting pre-booked appointments to 25 per day for each staff member so that they aren’t rushed, and appointments have been extended from ten minutes to 15.

“That allows more quality discussion and decision-making with the patient,” he said.

“You couldn’t do justice to them in 10 minutes – there’s no way to be as thorough as you want. That’s where you can miss things.”

Many GP practices across the country are stopping or reducing certain services as part of collective action.

A total of 98% of British Medical Association members voted in favour in August due to a dispute with the government over funding levels.

Dr Shekhawat says surgeries in his area haven’t stopped doing anything apart from putting a cap on planned appointments, but may have to stop some types of unpaid work.

“GPs aren’t commissioned to do things like ear syringing, but we’ve done it for years unpaid,” he said.

“People could go to a private provider where it would cost £20 to £40, or the Ear, Nose & Throat department at a hospital, which could be a long wait.

“Doing unpaid work takes money and time away from things we are paid for, and sadly we don’t have the resources.

“It’s inconvenient for people but GP practices are businesses – it would cause more inconvenience for people if we closed.”

He’s also worried about what the National Insurance rise will mean for practices, which aren’t exempt in the same way hospitals are.

But despite growing demand and a difficult financial outlook, there are some positives on the horizon.

Pharmacies are able to deal with routine problems like prescribing antibiotics, while digital technology is speeding up communication with patients.

“The job satisfaction is still there helping people in your community,” Dr Shekhawat said.

“Being a GP is still as rewarding as it ever was.”