SHORT STORY ON LOCAL GP SERVICES FOR MY PORTFOLIO

In Britain, we are very fortunate to have the NHS available to us. Other countries from around the world do not have the privilege of attending a hospital or doctor’s appointment without racking up a huge fee.

However, some would argue that the new approach taken on by local GP services is problematic and not the most accessible for all users. An online booking scheme seems sensible in theory, but unfortunately not everyone is the most internet savvy.

Changing the booking systems to online has had a huge impact on many communities and unfortunately it may not have been the most sensible move for the NHS to make, with a large proportion of GP users being the elderly.

Generally, the older you are, the less online experience you have. Meaning the older generations are struggling to book in to see their usual doctor, causing unnecessary stress. The previous system of calling the centre, or dropping in worked, so why have they changed it?

The system is just for GP services, so if you needed to see a nurse, or ask a question about the pharmacy, you still need to call in. This is not clear information, as the surgery always advices to try the online service first which often causes confusion for all users.

The Staploe Medical Centre in Soham, has been one of the many surgeries to have made the move to online bookings. Theresa Chivers, a resident of the town has said: “It’s a hassle to use the online service because there is no option to book with a nurse, only a GP. You are then redirected to call into the surgery, when you could have just done that in the first place.”