GPs in Gloucestershire have called for support as demand for services continues to grow.

Practices have seen an increase in contacts of nearly 20 per cent since 2019 and are now responsible for leading the delivery of the county’s Covid-19 and flu vaccination programmes alongside their day-to-day work.

Staff are reporting high levels of stress and burnout as they deal with the unprecedented pressure, while some have been targeted with physical and verbal abuse by a minority of frustrated patients.

Surgeries have adapted the way consultations can be offered to make sure those with the greatest need are seen first.

In person consultations account for 65 per cent of appointments in Gloucestershire, and this is increasing back towards the 70 per cent pre-pandemic level.

All patients who contact their surgery, either online or by phone, are assessed to decide whether they need to be seen in person, via a phone or video consultation or if they would benefit from a visit to a community pharmacy.

Dr Andy Seymour, local GP and clinical chair at NHS Gloucestershire Clinical Commissioning Group said: “Our health services are under enormous pressure and demand for GP services is extremely high with almost a fifth more requests for consultations, but GP surgeries are open and here when needed.

"Local GPs and all members of their practice teams are working longer and harder than ever before to provide the very best care and we are incredibly grateful to them for their fantastic commitment and resilience under intense pressure.

"We are saddened by the physical and verbal abuse which some practices have experienced and concerned by the high levels of stress and burnout that practice staff are reporting. The risk of GPs leaving the profession is very real and worrying.

"So whilst we understand that patients may sometimes get frustrated, we would like to ask patients to treat GPs and their staff with kindness.”

Dr Jeremy Welch, GP in Tewkesbury, said: “GP surgery teams across Gloucestershire are working incredibly hard to consult with patients as efficiently as possible in ways that work best for everyone and keep patients safe, and we have adopted new ways of working to help us do this.

"Face-to-face (in person) consultations have always been available to those who need them, and are now increasing.

"Many patients have also found that telephone and video appointments, where appropriate, suit their lifestyle and working patterns, and have benefited from shorter waiting times for appointments and protection from sharing waiting room environments.

"They can also benefit from the expertise of the range of professionals within surgery teams, such as nurses, pharmacists, physiotherapists and social prescribers.”

Advice for patients

•If your illness is minor, try to manage your symptoms yourself for a day or two. Visit nhs.uk for helpful information and your local pharmacy is a great first port of call.

•If your illness is not going away, or you are worried about your symptoms, contact your GP surgery.

•If you’re ill or injured and are unsure where to turn, click www.111.nhs.uk or call 111. The 111 phone service can book you into local NHS services if needed