Why can't I get an appointment?

Like all other NHS services, we do not have infinite capacity. Demand for appointments now far exceeds our ability to provide them, despite our staff working more efficiently, harder, and longer than ever before. As a practice, we must consider BMA guidance on safe working practices to protect our patients and the welfare of our staff.

The long waits for secondary care appointments are significantly impacting our workload—patients are sometimes waiting years for procedures, which we must manage in the interim. This situation consumes many GP appointments for ongoing care and patient requests to chase or expedite appointments. While we appreciate that patients become frustrated asking for referrals to be followed up on, waiting lists are outwith our control. Unfortunately, this also results in a revolving door of patients with conditions that should be managed elsewhere, adding further pressure to GP practices. Click Here for NHS Tayside waiting times

The new GP contract introduced by the Scottish Government was intended to alleviate pressure on GPs; however, it has not achieved this goal. We currently have less pharmacy cover than ever before, as health boards have been unable to recruit pharmacists. Many conditions previously managed in hospitals have been transferred to general practice, increasing the complexity of conditions and treatments we handle. Additionally, our aging population brings more chronic diseases and home visiting requirements. Consequently, GP workload has increased significantly in recent years, with year-on-year cuts in funding.

General practice in Scotland now receives only around 6% of total NHS spending, a figure that has declined over time. This reduction in funding limits our ability to meet increasing demand and provide the level of care we aspire to deliver.

Adding to these financial pressures, the recent increase in employer National Insurance Contributions places a further burden on GP practices. As independent contractors, we must cover these additional costs, which amount to tens of thousands of pounds. Unlike other sectors, we have no ability to adjust our income to accommodate these rising expenses, impacting how we allocate resources.

The number of GPs in Scotland has fallen, and recruiting doctors has become increasingly difficult. Many are emigrating due to poor working conditions, stress, burnout, and better opportunities abroad. Our staff are also human and face personal challenges such as ill health and family responsibilities, leading to unpredictable staffing shortages.

We all strive to provide the best care we can with the resources we have. We have recently advertised for and successfully appointed new staff members and have secured short-term locum cover, which was previously unavailable.