Dr Jess Harvey, GP at Much Wenlock and Cressage Medical Practice and Clinical Director of South East Shropshire Primary Care Network, has also called for the support of MPs and senior NHS officials to provide funds and the means to reduce pressure about the health service.
It comes as the country’s health services are under extreme pressure, with existing capacity problems exacerbated by the impact of the pandemic, concerns about strep A, difficulties with community care, as well as ongoing industrial action. .
Dr Harvey said the current level of demand is “unsustainable and unsafe”, warning that healthcare workers could pull out as they struggle to cope with mounting pressure.
He said the current number of patients “is at least double, if not triple” what would be expected at this time of year.
Dr. Harvey urged the public to consider whether they need to see a doctor immediately, or whether other services, such as pharmacies or physical therapists, could provide the necessary help.
She said: “I feel the pressures on the NHS at the moment in primary and secondary care have become unsustainable and unsafe.
“I want to emphasize that this is not the fault of those who work in the system, far from it; those who work right now are making constant personal sacrifices in their health and well-being to try to keep things running.
“Patient demand is at least double, if not triple, what we would expect in a busy winter period, and while some of these are really sick patients, there are some who could perhaps be better managed by a different service.
“For example, medication consultations with pharmacists, joint problems with physios, and minor ailments with community pharmacies.
“In addition, we continue to suffer delays due to Covid, which is not anyone’s fault, but something that we have to recognize.
“As GPs, we have daily consultations asking us to expedite appointments, but at the moment we don’t have the capacity to deal with these types of issues.
“Clearly we want people to contact us with symptoms that concern them and we don’t want anyone with things that suggest there might be something serious, like cancer, to delay seeking medical attention. But if it’s a minor ailment that could wait Now is the time to do it.”
He added: “We need two things. One for our patients to understand the situation and consider the service they are using and whether it is the best.
“A&E should be used for those life-threatening emergencies, general practice for those issues that concern you and need attention now.
“Please use those other services available and offered. But above all, remember that those who work are doing the best they can in very difficult times. They only want the best for you, and a little kindness and respect towards everyone goes a long way.” .
Dr Harvey also said that without more support and funding, the health service risks failing.
He said the current situation was exhausting and demoralizing for staff who are sacrificing their own well-being to try to care for patients.
“We need some support from our MPs and superiors in the NHS,” he said.
“Our local NHS administration is very aware of the issues and does everything they can to support us, however their power is limited.
“Our MPs should be lobbying Parliament right now for help, funding and support for their NHS and staff. Our Health secretary should be leading to find ways to reduce pressures and increase available resources.”
“It’s impossible not to feel exhausted and demoralized right now, when we’re getting so much negative press despite constantly working beyond.
“We really need our patients and our higher NHS to do something to help or risk the whole system failing.
“We want to do what’s best for our patients above all else, which is why we’re in these jobs. But right now it seems like no one is trying to help us. Please help us help you.”
