A Leeds man who has been waiting over a year to see his GP has spoken of his anger, while other residents have spoken of their frustrations over "disgusting" NHS waiting times.
lt has previously been reported how NHS services across the country, including here in Yorkshire are reaching breaking point. Leeds Live visited the city centre to speak to a range of shoppers about their experiences.
The Health Foundation claimed the average waiting time in the UK was more than two weeks and that was all the way back in 2019. Now as the population ages, there are more and more online appointments instead of face-to-face. Along with a lack of new GPs and surgeries across the country no longer taking online bookings, it’s becoming increasingly more difficult to see your doctor.
Read more: Leeds gran slams 'disgusting' price of baby milk at supermarkets
Seacroft 19-year-old Kieran Henderson suffers from congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CEH) which affects his hormones. He currently lives off disability living allowance (DLA) and says he’s been waiting for a GP appointment for more than a year.
It’s extremely rare that someone so young would suffer with his condition. His family are alarmed as they’ve described it as a “life threatening condition”.
His mum Maureen Henderson said: “The waiting times are disgusting. My son has been waiting over a year to get his appointment.”
Kieran said: “I need this appointment for multiple things, I’ve currently got sepsis for a start. I’ve been waiting for so long. I’ve also been waiting for an appointment with my dentist as I have a problem with my tooth and now it’s got sepsis.”
Dan Hocking, 39, is from Middleton and suffers from autism. He also lives off a DLA and volunteers during his spare time at a school and care home. He finds communicating difficult which makes getting an appointment even more difficult when he needs one.
He said: “The waiting times are too long, far too long. I’ve had to wait to three weeks in the past. They need to get more GPs.”
Tony Gale, visiting from Dewsbury, 68, hasn’t experienced issues with waiting times but is sick of having remote appointments rather than in the surgery. He said: “I haven’t seen my GP since before lockdown. They can’t asses you like that, can they? How would they assess wounds and things?”
How are GP waiting times at your practice? Leave your thoughts in the comments section below.
Read next:
- 'Incredible' schoolgirl living with cancer on a mission to help others
- Leeds Bradford Airport staff call off strike to consider 'new, improved' pay deal
- Leeds Council workers hit out as hourly rate 'doesn't even cover the costs of a fish and chip supper'
- Leeds boss 'massively sad' as he faces 'mass exodus' due to electric bills
- Life 'hard' for Leeds couple who blame Brexit as sweet prices skyrocket
