A CITY doctor has spoken out to reassure frustrated patients struggling to book GP appointments due to the Covid backlog.

NHS bosses in Lancashire and South Cumbria had urged people to be patient when trying to access GP services as surgeries were busier than before the pandemic.

Dr Jason Seewoodhary, GP at Barbourne Medical Centre in Worcester, said the restrictions on NHS services due to Covid-19 throughout the pandemic was having a “profound effect” on GP services but wanted to reassure patients that everything was being done to sort out the issues with appointments.

The number of calls to surgeries are said to have increased significantly in recent months but with coronavirus cases rising and more people mixing due to the relaxing of lockdown rules, GP surgeries are still having to take extra precautions to limit the spread of infections.

“I fully understand and share the frustrations of patients struggling to get a GP appointment,” Dr Seewoodhary said.

“All GPs and healthcare staff are mindful, cognisant and sympathetic of difficulties our patients face in getting through on phone lines, online booking not being accessible and the overall lack of appointments available.

“Every GP I know cares passionately about providing our patients with the best possible care. I’d like to reach out to our community to explain the reasons for these difficulties and reassure them that a lot is being done to address their ideas, concerns and expectations.

“The backlog from NHS service restrictions due to Covid-19 is having a profound effect on GP services.

“Lots of patients have ‘stored up’ a number of symptoms and ailments during the height of the pandemic and are now presenting to GPs with multiple issues, many of which are extremely complicated.

“These patients often require lengthy comprehensive assessments, which will inevitably impact upon appointment availability to others.”

Dr Seewoodhary said further limits are put on the availability of appointments with people living longer and the number of elderly patients with complex chronic diseases also increasing.

“Additionally, the role of the GP has changed,” he added. “Traditionally GPs would only deal with physical and mental health issues. The scope of work GPs are now undertaking has been extended to include dealing with complex social issues, which is very time consuming, and this inevitably impacts upon appointment availability to others.