The government is introducing a new scheme to tackle unnecessary hospital appointments in an effort to alleviate pressure on the NHS hospital waiting list. This initiative involves paying General Practitioners (GPs) to seek advice from hospital specialists, aiming to reduce the number of patients attending hospitals unless absolutely necessary. The “Advice and Guidance” scheme, which is already operational in certain areas, is set to be implemented across all practices. Under this scheme, GPs can consult with hospital doctors over the phone or through online platforms, enabling them to take proactive measures based on the received guidance, ultimately minimizing the need for patients to physically visit a hospital for their appointments.
Health minister Karin Smyth emphasized the significance of caring for patients within their local communities, highlighting the potential time-saving and the reduction in the requirement for unnecessary hospital visits. The strategy aims to restructure the NHS operations, focusing on efficiency and improved patient outcomes.
GPs participating in the new system can claim a small payment each time they seek specialist advice, instead of directly referring a patient to the hospital. This approach comes as the NHS faces a substantial backlog, with 7.5 million appointments for hospital care currently on the waiting list, which is three times the number recorded in 2010.
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Professor Sir Sam Everington, an experienced GP, emphasized the impact of this approach by sharing insights from his practice, citing that a significant portion of patients with certain conditions can be effectively managed through advice from a consultant and subsequent treatment by the GP. This method not only expedites the resolution of health issues but also avoids prolonged waiting periods for patients.
Sharon Brennan, a director at patient campaign group National Voices, stressed the importance of incorporating genuine shared decision-making in the new service, advocating for patient empowerment and informed treatment choices.
The potential benefits of this initiative have sparked discussions regarding the evolving role of GPs and the impact on patient care. Join the conversation and share your recent experiences with hospital appointments and your perspectives on the expanded responsibilities for GPs.