A BRADFORD district MP said the number of people contacting him over problems accessing face-to-face GP appointments is growing. 

Philip Davies, Conservative MP for Shipley, said people who want to see a GP face to face should be allowed, but many of his constituents are still facing barriers.

He is set to speak with ministers at the Department for Health and local health chiefs about his concerns. 

“Covid led to backlogs in appointments at hospitals with many routine operations and appointments having to be cancelled,” said Mr Davies.

“It cannot be allowed to create another health crisis in GP practice. We know GPs are doing an excellent job rolling out the vaccine programme but I am repeatedly being told accessing face to face appointments is a struggle.

“Many people prefer speaking to a GP in person as they can guarantee confidentiality, and others are saying they believe they need to be examined and should not be being diagnosed via a telephone consultation or video appointment.”

While some Telegraph & Argus readers said they’d not experienced problems, others spoke of their frustration. 

Anne Ingham said she had not seen her doctors for two years and had only communicated via telephone. 

Dawn Michelle Hooley said: “It needs to go back to being able to pre-book an appointment at any time of day, instead of phone up at 8am when you can’t even get through and when you do, all appointments have been taken.”

Heather Burton said she’d even had trouble getting a phone appointment, while Steven Tempest-Mitchell wrote: “Sometimes it feels like I’ve more chance of seeing Elvis on stage at Las Vegas.”

Mr Davies said his constituents are frustrated that the service they were used to has not resumed.

He added: “While I understand many routine issues can be dealt with on the phone, there will be things being missed or not picked up on because a patient is not directly in front of that GP. 

“Doctors themselves have told me how important non-verbal cues are.” 

The MP said the issues were not with one specific practice in the constituency, but correspondence related to numerous practices.

What does the NHS in Bradford say about the situation?

Dr James Thomas, a GP in the Bradford district who is clinical chair of the Bradford District and Craven Clinical Commissioning Group, said: “GP practices are working harder than ever and offering more appointments than ever before with a range of healthcare professionals so that we can make best use of our skilled teams while ensuring we keep our colleagues and our patients safe.

"To do this colleagues in GP practices continue to do initial assessments by telephone or video consultations and then offer face-to-face appointments where it is clinically appropriate to do so.

"Feedback shows that for some people the increasing flexibility offered by remote appointments helps them access care in a convenient way. However we understand the frustration of patients who are unable to get an appointment of any type due to the current demand facing health and care services.

"I became a GP to care for patients, as did all my colleagues, and we strive to deliver the same high-quality care whether a consultation is remote or in person.

“GP practices have been open throughout the pandemic and patients have been able to have face-to-face consultations where necessary.

"The increasing use of digital services, such as submitting your symptoms online, can also help ensure patients receive the most appropriate care. This might be a face-to-face-appointment, but it might also be a referral to see a physiotherapist or another health professional.

“It’s about making sure people get the best care for their needs.”