Don't delay your GP appointment, here's why...
Why you shouldn’t delay visiting your GP during the pandemic
General practitioners all around Britain are pleading with patients not to delay visits over coronavirus fears. In April, there were a number of reports suggesting that people were delaying GP appointments over fears they may be “wasting the NHS’ time”.
Worse still, by June, the NHS Vale of York reported a 70 percent drop in cancer referrals. At York Against Cancer, we’re doing all we can to encourage people to continue visiting their GP.
Besides cancer, there are many conditions which may worsen if initial symptoms are ignored, for example stroke, diabetes or even heart attacks.
Other sources suggest that patients are frightened of the possibility of contracting coronavirus. Visits to accident and emergency departments have dropped, down from 2.1 million in March 2019 to 1.5 million in March 2020.
Keeping your GP surgery safe
The NHS has rolled out strict guidelines on protecting patients’ health and safety during the pandemic. For example, those with an urgent clinical need are prioritised for scheduled appointments, while those requiring emergency care will be tested on arrival.
GP surgeries are also enforcing strict social distancing guidelines. However, the NHS does also advise that you seek alternatives to visiting the GP practice without an appointment.
Alternatives to visiting your GP surgery
You can still gain access to the best NHS care without having to visit a surgery. The NHS has adapted and increased its resources to help those in need.
Accessing information
If you’re concerned about symptoms, you may wish to look them up online first. The NHS website is the best source for information around a number of medical conditions and symptoms. You can also find out more about the best medications for any existing conditions.
Calling your GP
You may have noticed that there are extra obstacles when calling your doctor’s surgery. Clinicians generally advise that you call around one minute before the surgery opens (usually 7:59am) to get into a queue. Alternatively, you may have better luck at quieter times of the day, for example in the early afternoon.
A telephone-first approach
Many UK surgeries have switched to a ‘telephone-first’ approach to go through any initial GP consultations. This often involves arranging a call-back. You can book this service online through your individual surgery. A GP will give you a call at your chosen time. Bear in mind that this may show up as ‘no caller ID’ on a mobile.
Online services can also be used to order repeat prescriptions or check your general health records.
NHS 111
If you contact NHS 111 out of hours, they may be able to book a GP appointment on your behalf. If they feel that yours is an emergency call, they may also refer you to accident and emergency. Alternatively, they may call back at a later date to check on your symptoms.
What if I need a cancer referral?
If you’re using any of these services, you will very seldom have to visit the GP in person. However, depending on your symptoms, some GPs may need to see you – for example, to examine a changing mole or take a blood sample.
Alternatively, a GP may refer you to a hospital for tests. Some surgeries even offer video consultations, which may speed up the referral process.
If your doctor suspects you have cancer, this is known as an ‘urgent referral’. In England, your hospital appointment will be scheduled within the next two weeks, though these waiting times do not apply to Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland.
Hearteningly, nine in 10 people who are referred are not diagnosed with cancer.
Why you must not delay
Remember, early detection is essential for the best prognosis in many cancers. Arrange to speak to your GP if you notice:
- Breast changes like dimpling or discharge
- Bleeding between periods
- Lumps in the scrotum
- An unexplained change in bowel habits
- Pain during urination
- Unexplained fever or weight loss
- A mole that changes colour or size.
Remember, you should also attend your scheduled screening appointments to stay safe. The pandemic will not last forever, but a quick diagnosis could save your life.
Contact the York Against Cancer team if you have any concerns about visiting your doctor.