GP Time Management Costing The NHS

⚠️ Disclaimer: This article contains opinions and experiences related to healthcare services in the UK. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, the information provided does not constitute medical or legal advice. The content is for informational and advocacy purposes only and may include sensitive or triggering themes related to healthcare inefficiencies, patient stress, and access to services. Individuals are encouraged to consult directly with qualified professionals regarding personal medical concerns. All examples are anonymised or shared with permission where relevant.

GP Time Management and the Ripple Effect on NHS Resources

As the NHS continues to face unprecedented strain, much of the burden lies not only in underfunding or a lack of staff but in inefficient time management practices within General Practice (GP) services. Patients are being forced to navigate unnecessary hoops, often resulting in lost time, income, and avoidable stress. One significant consequence of this inefficiency is the growing redirection of patients from closed pharmacies and ill-managed GP consultations straight into the already overwhelmed A&E departments.

⏱️ The Time Management Crisis in GP Surgeries

At the heart of the problem is how GP surgeries are prioritising tasks that could be handled more efficiently. One example involved a patient whose medication had already been adjusted and communicated in writing to both the patient and the GP. Yet, the surgery insisted on a follow-up phone consultation, taking up valuable patient and GP time that could have been saved with a single, well-drafted sentence in the original correspondence.

This kind of time-wasting requirement not only reflects poor time management but also shows a disregard for the patient’s time, particularly when they have to take time off work or alter their schedule for a 5-minute call that could have been resolved in writing. The question remains: who compensates the patient for this inconvenience?

💊 Pharmacy Closures and the A&E Domino Effect

The situation is further aggravated by the alarming rate of pharmacy closures across the UK. According to recent survey data:

15% of people reported that a pharmacy close to them had closed within the past 12 months.
Of those affected, 59% said it is now harder to access advice and support.
Most alarmingly, a third of those impacted now visit their GP instead.

This redirection places unnecessary pressure on GPs, who are already stretched, and ultimately, the bottleneck spills over into A&E departments.

One patient presented a blister on her wrist to a local pharmacist. The pharmacist, instead of providing basic first-aid guidance or over-the-counter treatment, advised the patient to go directly to A&E. Not only was this an inappropriate escalation, but it reflects a trend where professionals are either unwilling or unable to treat minor ailments, leading to serious overuse of critical services.

💼 When Patients Are Made to Fit the System

It has become increasingly apparent that the NHS is expecting patients to jump through bureaucratic hoops to suit GP agendas rather than providing a system that works in the best interest of those it serves.

There are simple solutions:

When medication is altered, state it clearly in correspondence.
Triage simple matters via email or SMS, not via consultations.
Reinstate and better support community pharmacies to reduce overflow.
Develop accountability frameworks to monitor how patient time is being valued.

GPs must return to a patient-centred model, where clarity, respect, and efficient communication take precedence.

📉 The Hidden Cost of Inefficiency

Wasting patient time is not just frustrating—it’s costly. It leads to:

Missed workdays and economic loss.
Mental health impact due to stress and disruption.
Increased pressure on secondary services like A&E.
Further erosion of public trust in the healthcare system.

If GPs managed their time more effectively and if pharmacies were adequately supported, the NHS could reduce unnecessary appointments and reallocate resources to where they are needed most.

📞 Outdated Booking Systems: Why Can’t Reception Just Use a Calendar?

In an age of digital innovation, one would expect GP surgeries to adopt efficient and accessible booking systems—but many are still operating like it’s 1995. Patients are often told to “call back at 8am tomorrow”, yet when they do, they’re met with jammed phone lines, automated messages, and repeated disconnections. Some patients are forced to redial dozens of times, wasting precious time and increasing anxiety, especially for those with chronic illnesses, disabilities, or mental health conditions.

This chaotic system not only adds stress to already vulnerable individuals, but it also makes one wonder why reception staff cannot simply use an online diary or appointment calendar. Such systems exist, are easy to manage, and are already used across many other healthcare and private sector services. A simple booking interface, visible to reception and patients alike, could drastically reduce call volume and increase transparency and fairness.

Furthermore, for people who work, care for others, or have accessibility challenges, the 8am phone lottery system is not just inconvenient, it’s discriminatory. By insisting on outdated systems, surgeries are excluding large portions of the population from receiving timely care.

Modernising GP booking procedures is no longer optional—it’s essential.

📣 Conclusion

The current model of care in General Practice and community healthcare needs urgent reform. The focus should be on maximising efficiency, empowering pharmacies, and most importantly, respecting the patient’s time. As closures increase and inefficiencies pile up, it is only a matter of time before more patients fall through the cracks, unless meaningful action is taken now.

📌 Resources & Further Reading…

Andrew Jones

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Andrew Jones is a seasoned journalist renowned for his expertise in current affairs, politics, economics and health reporting. With a career spanning over two decades, he has established himself as a trusted voice in the field, providing insightful analysis and thought-provoking commentary on some of the most pressing issues of our time.