Wait to see a GP is no laughing matter

The stress and anxiety of trying to get a GP appointment is at the heart of a new short film from UNISON. Join the queue takes a tongue-in-cheek look at a situation that’s all too familiar – frantically trying to contact the surgery the moment the lines open. As a clock counts down and the tension builds, a family is poised over landlines, mobile phones and online booking systems trying to be among the lucky few to get an appointment. With their young daughter feeling ill and the clock finally striking 8am, there’s a brief moment of hope as the call connects. Moments later, crushing disappointment fills the room as a recorded message tells them they’re number 57 in the queue. Although the film is humorous, it does touch on a truth that for many getting a GP appointment is increasingly difficult. Almost a decade of funding cuts to the health service are to blame, says UNISON. The video is launched as the UK prepares to vote in a general election with the future of the NHS in the balance. UNISON general secretary Dave Prentis said: “Nine years of Tory cuts have ravaged the NHS, with decisions made in Westminster affecting families’ daily lives across the country. “Hospitals with ambulances stacked up outside have huge staff vacancies and hard-working employees are frazzled trying to fill the gaps, while patients face long waiting times in A&E when they can’t get a GP appointment. Everyone who works for and uses the NHS can see how the gover...
Source: UNISON Health care news - Category: UK Health Authors: Tags: News Press release dave prentis GP appointment health NHS Source Type: news