A local healthcare provider has laid bare the pressures facing GP surgeries saying there is an ‘Amazon-culture’ among patients who demand an immediate service.
Dr Brendan Kennedy, from Modality Partnership, was speaking at a meeting of councillors in Skipton yesterday when he discussed the state of primary care across the country.
Modality Partnership runs 10 GP surgeries in Airedale, Wharfedale and Craven including Fisher Medical Centre in Skipton, Silsden Surgery and Steeton Health Centre.
Dr Kennedy warned investment is needed from government to ensure patients can still access the levels of service they have come to expect.
He said: “Two practices are closing a week and one in 10 are on an NHS waiting list. The number of GPs is going down and the population is rising. The average age of a doctor leaving the profession is just 38.”
Dr Kennedy also said GPs are struggling to retain reception staff due to abuse from members of the public.
He added: “Reception staff are our frontline and they get a significant amount of abuse. They do not hang around and they’ll say I can go work at Aldi and won’t get the abuse. The public need to be kind.”
Senior figures from Modality addressed councillors regarding its controversial online booking system that was introduced to patients in April 2023.
The company has faced complaints from older and vulnerable patients who have found it difficult to use.
Lois Brown, Modality’s senior transformation manager, said it was now seeing improvements across its GP practices. She called the previous telephone booking system “a lottery”.
Ms Brown said: “There is now more equality of access. The phone system could have 50 people in the queue when there would be a very poorly person at number 48 and they wouldn’t get an appointment.”
Councillors said while they were still receiving some complaints from residents about the new booking system, they were far lower than last year.
Cllr Richard Foster (Conservative, Wharfedale) said Modality should have done a better job communicating the changes to patients. He said: “I get you brought in the new system but you didn’t bring the public with you.”
Modality patient Cllr Robert Heseltine (Conservative & Independents Group, Skipton East & South) spoke about a recent health emergency he faced and said he was grateful for the care he received from his local GP in Skipton.
Cllr Heseltine said: “I have a new lease of life and intend to make most of it. You are improving but by God, you must keep it up. Your patients have nowhere else to turn.”
Herriots Hotel to host Wear Pink Afternoon in aid of Breast Cancer Now
Skipton Mayor to open Whinfield Bowling Club's open day
BBC Masterchef runner up to open café bar on Sheep Street
Craven College celebrates excellent Ofsted report
Popular village pub closes with immediate effect after more than seven years
Skipton pub loved by many announces closure
Skipton residents urged to put bins out earlier as hot weather continues
Skipton Colour Run raises £6,500 for academy students
Council urged to lower speed limit through Embsay and Eastby
Keighley arts centre unveils adult learning plans
Silsden gardeners get ready for Open Gardens Weekend
Solstice runners raise £25,000 for Sue Ryder
Amber heat warning issued for North Yorkshire
Brooklands school visit Skipton Hospital to learn the importance of nurses
Skipton MP Meets local councillor and residents to discuss road safety concerns at Skipton Estate
Bin crews to start earlier this week due to the heat
Still time to sign up for Solstice Saunter on Sunday
Leeds Bradford Airport to launch weekly flights to Santorini
Addingham Gala Festival set to be 'Out of this World'
Transdev partners with Yorkshire and North West Air Ambulance charities
