Discussing GP consultation times | Davis Blank Furniss Solicitors

It seems that every other day there appears to be a news story about the growing problems facing the NHS.

Research carried out by the Health Foundation has looked at the average consultation length for GP appointments in the UK. The research found that average consultation length is 10 minutes. This is thought to be the shortest in the developed world.

In addition the research found that 92% of consultations in the UK are completed in less than 15 minutes compared with just 27% of consultations in the other 11 countries surveyed.

GP’s have criticised the fact that the time to carry out consultations is too short, but with the growing workload faced by GP’s due to hospital closures and an aging population the consultation times are likely to continue to get shorter.

The pressures faced by hospitals have exacerbated the situation. As people see longer A&E waiting times and long waiting lists for operations, GPs have to deal with complex and deteriorating patients and they may not always be qualified to provide the correct care. Short appointments can lead to symptoms being missed and patient safety being affected.

The government are aiming to increase the number of GPs in England by 5,000 by 2020 (an increase of 16%) and have introduced the GP investment programme to “help cut red tape, pay some of GPs’ high insurance costs, and deliver innovative new schemes to retain more GPs” however, it has yet to be seen how effective this programme is.

With the increasing strains on all aspects of the NHS patient safety in under greater threat than ever and we have seen a rise in the number of clients contacting our offices about the treatment received by their GP. Although the doctors are working to the best of their ability in difficult circumstances it does not negate the fact that if a mistake is made which adversely affects your health you may be entitled to compensation.

If you have any questions about potentially negligent medical treatment, please contact our Medical Negligence department on 0161 832 3304.

Testimonials

Read what our clients have to say...

View All

Excellent experience start to finish – always very responsive to any queries and the turnaround on the property I was buying was very quick, even in the busy time leading up to stamp duty deadline. Jenny was always very helpful and went above and beyond to close on a short timescale.

Ben Armitage

“Very approachable, practical solutions to problems, but most of all very responsive which I personally think is very important because if you need help, you need it quickly, or at least to know someone is looking at it for you”.

Joanne Rowe, Finance Director, Greater Manchester Chamber

“Always able to contact, very approachable, friendly and professional”

Nives Feely, JAM Recruitment

“I believe I have been able to establish a professional working relationship with everyone I have come into contact. Importantly, I sense the relationships which have been established give me the confidence that I can make contact with Davis Blank Furniss at any time and on any matter. I would also like to express my thanks to the very impressive “gatekeepers” who work in reception, not only for making me very welcome, but also for their professionalism”

Bill Pryke, CEO, Chartered Institution of Civil Engineering Surveyors

“Thank you for your efficient and friendly help throughout this process. We have had it easy but your approach has been part of that”.

Robert Amsbury (Conveyancing Client)

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank you personally for the ongoing support and assistance the firm has offered to our parents over the years. I hope also that we may be able to call on you if necessary in the future.”

Valerie Fisher (Probate Client)

“Jo always provides great service, understands our needs and delivers on her promises. Our needs are relatively simple but the complexity arises out of the volume of work and short time frames, Jo always delivers.”

Peter Fernandez, Corporate Director at Royal Bank of Scotland

“A big thank you to all who dealt with my wife’s claim… We would not hesitate to recommend Davis Blank Furniss to anyone that may be in a situation like we have been…”

Anon (Personal Injury client)

“Before putting my case in Kirsty (Morbey)’s capable hands I’ve met a couple of other solicitors. None of them listen to me as intently as Kirsty and showed me as much empathy and understanding as she did. Simultaneously she was able to look at my case from legal perspective, explain all the options and follow each of our meetings with written summary of the discussed matters (in timely manner). Her advice was invaluable and led me to successfully ending the case matter (hopeful for good). I’m forever grateful for he work and would definitely recommend her to anyone looking for reliable, knowledgeable and committed solicitor”.

Anon (Family client)
5 star service

Our Manchester office is rated 5 stars on Google