Retired Shropshire GP 'stumped' by rush to use A&E units
A retired Shropshire GP today said he is "stumped" as to why more people are attending accident and emergency departments despite being offered a same-day appointment with their GP.
A report has found that many patients are reluctant to accept a wait of as little as three hours to see their family doctor if they think their needs are urgent – even when their symptoms have been present for several days.
But Doctor Charles West, a retired GP who worked at Church Stretton and Shrewsbury, said: "I am stumped as to why this could be, I can't think what is behind this.
"It is interesting, but for the smooth running of the NHS service it is regrettable, as the A&E department is for emergencies."
The joint report by the Royal College of Emergency Medicine (RCEM) and the Patients Association highlighted that, although most are aware there are alternatives to going to A&E, "the A&E brand is particularly strong".
Many people also go because they are advised to do so by other healthcare providers and it called on the NHS to ensure that patients are fully informed of alternative services.
It also suggested putting other out-of-hours services at A&E departments to make it easier for patients to get to them.
The report, which includes a survey of more than 900 people who had recently been to A&E, found the biggest majority attended due to an injury, followed by acute illness and a long-term health condition.
Fewer than a quarter said they had tried to get a GP appointment beforehand.
RCEM president Dr Cliff Mann said: "Co-location now needs to be implemented."
