RCGP response to comments on ‘uberisation’ of general practice

Responding to comments made by Jeremy Hunt MP, Chair of the Health and Social Care Committee, today, Professor Martin Marshall said the following.

“Continuity of care is highly valued by both patients and GPs – and evidence shows that it leads to better health outcomes for patients and benefits the NHS.

“However, against a backdrop of intense workload and workforce pressures, with a focus on delivering quick access to GP services, GPs and our teams are finding it increasingly challenging to deliver. Nevertheless, we are working in innovative ways to find solutions to deliver continuity despite the pressures, such as working in 'micro teams' so that patients have continuity with a team of healthcare professionals rather than to a single GP.

“Ultimately, the long-term solution that is really needed is an increased workforce with more GPs, more members of the practice team, and more time with our patients so that we can offer both good access and continuity of care for patients.”

Further information

RCGP Press office: 020 3188 7659
press@rcgp.org.uk

Notes to editor

The Royal College of General Practitioners is a network of more than 52,000 family doctors working to improve care for patients. We work to encourage and maintain the highest standards of general medical practice and act as the voice of GPs on education, training, research and clinical standards.