Why is general practice under pressure? – short film
This powerful film gives an honest, clear look at the challenges in primary care and why supporting general practice is essential for the future of healthcare.
General practice is facing unprecedented demand which is outweighing capacity. In June 2025 another record-high of 63.80 million patients were registered with GP practices in England.
Consultation rates per patient have increased, leading to GPs and their teams working harder than ever to prioritise patient care. General Practice is dealing with increased patient list sizes, an ageing population, and more complex health needs.
Practice teams are struggling to recruit for vacant posts so that patients can still be seen if a colleague is sick or absent. GPs are being affected by the backlog elsewhere in the NHS.
Practices are underfunded.
Despite these challenges, the number of daily appointments delivered in general practice is increasing.
GPs are on your side
GPs want the same things patients do. They believe nobody should struggle to see their family doctor and value their patients.
General practice can deal with most health problems, help keep patients out of hospital, and have their patients’ best interests at heart.
GP staff are grateful for the support and understanding of patients which was reflected in the 2025 GP Patient Survey. GPC England’s vision: Patients First: Why General Practice is broken and how we can fix it focuses on safety, stability and hope, presenting solutions for the new Government to work with GPCE in rebuilding a transformed general practice for the benefit of patients.
Please be patient and kind to General Practice staff
It’s recognised that waiting for an appointment can be frustrating. GP practices are there to support their community, and ask patients please show them support and understanding by being kind, patient and responsible when accessing their services.
General Practices first duty is to their patients. They want to be able to provide safe, high-quality care to patients, without risking others or themselves. At a time of unprecedented pressures, they must make changes to their systems to preserve patient care in the face of a shrinking workforce and rising workloads.
Demand for services can be high at times, and staff appreciate it can take a while to speak to a member of the team, but kindly ask that patients be courteous and respectful.
During these difficult times, practice teams are working hard to protect both staff and patients. Help practices focus on caring for you.
We ask that patients support their surgery so it can be there to support them.
Please keep a record of your appointment and cancel if you no longer need it so that someone else can use it, no matter how late in the day. This will help to reduce the huge numbers of missed appointments.
Consider whether your request for an appointment is appropriate. Would other NHS services more adequately meet your needs? Take a look on your practice website for self-care advice or visithttps://www.nhs.uk/
Patients with many different conditions can self-refer to the most appropriate service without needing to see a GP first. Receptionists are trained to triage calls, please be co-operative to ensure you receive the care that you need.
Understand that you may see a member of the extended healthcare team, instead of your GP. Matching patients to the healthcare professional who is most suited to their specific condition often means people get the help they need quicker than if they had gone through a GP.
Appointments are often set up for a single issue in a 10-minute time slot. You are likely to need to book another appointment if you have multiple separate issues to discuss.
Please plan ahead and request repeat prescriptions (online where possible) well in advance. Prescriptions take up to 48 hours to be turned around (excluding weekends & bank holidays).
Find out what support your practice needs and talk to others to help them understand the current crisis.
Talk or write to your local MP about your practice’s problems.
Respond positively to your practices social media posts by understanding the pressures they are under.
