Data shows primary care working harder than ever to meet patient need

The latest NHS Digital data for appointments in general practice shows 34 million appointments were estimated to have taken place in October, including 4 million COVID-10 vaccinations.

This figure is more than 3.2 million more appointments than before the pandemic in October 2019.

Commenting on the numbers, Ruth Rankine, director of primary care at the NHS Confederation, said:

“This data illustrates what our members have been telling us: primary care teams are doing everything they possibly can and working harder than ever before to meet patient needs amid ever climbing demand.

“Delivering over 30 million appointments in a month, just under 1.5m a day, of which over 60 per cent were face to face is a staggering achievement from a sector under enormous pressure. It is testament to the dedication of the wide range of professionals who make up primary care teams and who want to deliver the best possible care for their patients.”