Suffolk GP leader says NHS reform is being delivered under growing pressure
They've said primary care teams across Suffolk are continuing to support patients while managing rising demand and workforce pressures.
A senior GP in Suffolk has said health services are being asked to plan for long-term reform while dealing with intense day-to-day pressures across the NHS.
Dr Ruth Bushaway, Medical Director of the Suffolk GP Federation, said primary care teams across Suffolk are continuing to support patients while managing rising demand and workforce pressures.
She said:
“I see patients every day getting supportive healthcare and care support from the different people within that practice and within the wider healthcare system.”
Dr Bushaway highlighted the role of community services, including GP practices, pharmacies, community nurses and specialist teams in helping people access care as quickly and as close to home as possible.
She said:
“There are so many people involved in trying to ensure that our population get healthcare by somebody as soon as possible, as close to home as possible, by someone who’s able to support them with that need.”
However, she said the system is under strain, not only because of workforce pressures but also because of the impact of hospital backlogs on primary care.
Dr Bushaway explained that patients waiting longer for hospital treatment often require additional support from GPs and pharmacies while they wait.
She said:
“Whilst they’re waiting for that operation because of COVID and backlogs and all sorts of other things, they may then have to contact their GP or their pharmacy because they’re in pain while they’re waiting.”
Trying to improve efficiency and care
Dr Bushaway said healthcare workers are also being asked to plan for the future, including workforce needs and population changes, while continuing to deliver frontline care.
She said:
“We know what the gap is between people providing healthcare and people needing healthcare, but we’re trying to plan for that whilst we’re running.”
She added that training new staff is particularly challenging when experienced professionals are already stretched.
“If it’s other nurses who are going to train them, how are they going to do that in addition to the work that they’re trying to do each day?”
Community focus
Dr Bushaway said national NHS priorities, including moving care from hospital to community settings, increasing digital services and focusing on prevention, are already underway, but not from a standing start.
She said:
“We’re not starting from zero here, but these things are even more challenging when you’re trying to do the daytime work at the same time.”
She also warned that while community pharmacies are playing an increasingly important role, there is a risk they could become overwhelmed.
“Lots of people are now going to pharmacies, and that’s fantastic, but then we’re in danger of overloading them.”
Dr Bushaway said clearer public education about how and when to seek medical help could ease pressure across the system.
She said:
“If you’re scared, if you’re worried, then ask somebody. You’ve got to work within your comfort zone.”
She added that what may feel routine to clinicians can be overwhelming for patients experiencing symptoms for the first time.
“For you, that’s your loved one, that’s the first time you’ve ever had flu, and it’s very difficult to get that balance right.”
Dr Bushaway said while reform is essential, it must be realistic and support both patients and healthcare workers.
“We have to be realistic about what we can achieve and how we support our people working in healthcare, but also our population.”