According to the British Medical Association (BMA), it is recommended that General Practitioners (GPs) see up to 25 patients per day. However, a recent survey conducted by doctors’ magazine Pulse revealed that almost 40% of GP surgeries impose a daily limit on the number of patients they will see. These surgeries will redirect patients to other services once the limit is reached.
The term “contacts” in this context refers to all patient appointments, whether conducted in person or remotely. Some campaigners have voiced their criticism of these limits. Dennis Reed, representing Silver Voices, a group advocating for the elderly, expressed frustration and demoralization on behalf of those who cannot secure an appointment due to these restrictions. Reed emphasized the importance of returning to pre-pandemic appointment levels.
However, some GP partners argue that limiting patient numbers is necessary for safety reasons. One anonymous GP partner from northeast London, whose practice sets a daily limit of 25 patients per doctor, stressed that patient safety is the primary concern. They explained that maintaining sharp focus, attentiveness, and accuracy when interacting with each patient is crucial to providing high-quality care.
It is important to note that the survey sample size was relatively small, with only 860 GP practices responding. The Department of Health and Social Care acknowledged this limitation, as those surgeries with daily patient limits comprise less than 3% of all GP practices in England. Thus, it remains unclear if the majority of practices have implemented such restrictions.
Dr. Samira Anane, representing the BMA, acknowledged the small sample size but emphasized that the BMA’s recommended limit ensures that patients receive comprehensive care to address their diverse needs. On the other hand, Dr. Amanda Doyle, National Primary Care Director of NHS England, criticized the limit as arbitrary and discouraged practices from routinely redirecting patients when they are open.
In conclusion, the survey findings indicate that a significant proportion of GP surgeries enforce limits on the number of patients they will see each day. While some argue that these limits are necessary for patient safety, others find them frustrating. The discussion surrounding this issue remains ongoing, and further research is required to determine the prevalence of such limitations across all practices in England.
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