Only one third of GP appointments are face-to-face – with health chiefs saying they can’t promise a return to the pre-pandemic approach.
However, Dr Saied Pourghazi, who is based at Levenside medical in Dumbarton stressed that more than 115,000 appointments are still taking place across NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde practices per week.
And he said those who need face-to-face appointments will receive them.
Dr Pourghazi, who has more than 20 years’ experience as a GP, said: “One in three of those appointments is face-to-face with the remaining two-thirds comprising telephone and video consultations.
“For an average sized practice this is around 100 appointments a day. On top of that, our practice staff respond to several hundred calls from patients each day, with around 10 percent of the entire population of the West Dunbartonshire area in contact with their GP surgery on any given week.”
Dr Pourghazi highlighted how GPs in West Dunbartonshire are working to ensure those who need face-to-face appointments, receive them.
He explained: “These stats reflect the extreme challenges practices find themselves facing and how practices have had to adapt to ensure they continue delivering a service which balances the needs of patients against what is physically possible under current circumstances.
“GPs know how hard it has been for patients throughout this pandemic.
“People are worried and anxious about their care and whether they’ll be seen.
“While we cannot promise a return to the old model of care, we can provide assurance anyone who needs a face-to-face appointment within NHSGGC, will receive one.
“The new systems have been implemented for that very reason, and to allow other patients to continue to be seen via telephone or virtual appointments – meaning we can look after patients more efficiently and safely.
“Prioritising patients based on clinical need is not a new practice, but the pandemic has shone a light on it.
“A phone or video call is often an efficient way to identify if something is urgent and many things can be dealt with without a further appointment.
“We also know remote consultations suit many patients as they don’t have to travel to the practice.
“We continue to tell all patients that unless life-threatening, always speak to your GP practice first.
Regarding a decrease in Omicron cases and a loosening of current rules, Dr Pourghazi added: “Despite a decrease in the community prevalence of Omicron, the threat of Covid-19 remains – particularly as patients who require GP care are generally unwell and more vulnerable.
“We would be putting patient safety at risk by unnecessarily seeing people whose healthcare needs could be dealt with remotely. Practices, like all other healthcare settings must continue to observe two-metre physical distancing.
“Until it is absolutely safe to do so, this will remain the position and the model of care being delivered from GP practices.”
