Health and Social Care Committee’s inquiry into the future of general practice in Wales: Welsh NHS Confederation response
Key points
General practice stands as the cornerstone of the National Health Service, handling a significantly larger patient volume than any other sector. Consequently, the failure of general practice would precipitate a systemic collapse of the entire NHS.
General practice faces significant challenges, including patient dissatisfaction with access, demand management, and trust. Demand outstrips capacity, particularly in deprived areas, leading to appointment shortages and perceived quality decline.
Escalating demand, driven by factors like an ageing population and increased co-morbidity, strains GP services. Initiatives like Primary Choice are insufficient to address this surge. To alleviate pressures, our members suggest promoting self-care, leveraging digital technologies for chronic condition management, and exploring AI for data processing are crucial.
Furthermore, public trust is eroded by misconceptions about multi-disciplinary teams and triage systems, leading to frustration and inappropriate service utilisation. The decline of the named GP system further diminishes personalised care.
Ultimately, to improve general practice, our members advocate for reforms in funding, service models, digital integration, workforce planning, and patient communication. A shift towards preventative care, addressing health inequalities, and empowering patient participation, including mandating Patient Participation Groups, are vital for a sustainable and effective healthcare system.
