Bring back the family doctor, and bring in the therapist
The Issue
Do you remember having your own doctor? Someone who knew not only your name and your medical history but also the stories of your family? The relationship with a family doctor is one of trust and continuity, and it has proven health benefits. A 2022 study of 4.5 million people in Norway highlighted that those who saw the same general practitioner (GP) for 15 years or more were 25% less likely to die, 28% less likely to require emergency admission to hospitals, and 30% less likely to need out-of-hours care. This continuity of care can be life-saving and provides immense reassurance.
In 2024, the Government promised to bring back the family doctor model. Yet, we are further away from achieving this than ever. Now, more than just bringing back the family doctor, we propose an urgent integration of mental health services within primary care. Overwhelming evidence suggests that mental health should be intertwined with physical health management, especially for chronic conditions.
This cause hits home personally for me. I lost my mom at the age of 62 to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and diabetes, conditions that became unbearable due to undiagnosed depression and anxiety. I witnessed her struggle with breathlessness and emotional turmoil, yet nobody in the medical process addressed her mental health. She spent her last four months in a coma, a tragic reminder that our health system often overlooks the mental health in chronic physical illnesses.
I led a UK-wide survey in October 2025 with Tele-Therapies and YouGov, and found that 69% of UK adults have little to no awareness of the anxiety/depression associated with such illnesses. This lack of awareness contributes to poor health outcomes, and it is a disservice to patients everywhere.And past reserach confirm links of COPD to dementia.
Therefore, I urge the Government not only to honor their promise but to extend it by integrating mental health services within primary care. Trained therapists alongside family doctors can provide comprehensive care that is responsive to both body and mind.
By signing this petition, you support a holistic approach to healthcare that can save lives and improve the quality of life for millions. Let's change the narrative, bring back the family doctor, and introduce therapists to primary care. Please sign and share this petition to make a difference.
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The Issue
Do you remember having your own doctor? Someone who knew not only your name and your medical history but also the stories of your family? The relationship with a family doctor is one of trust and continuity, and it has proven health benefits. A 2022 study of 4.5 million people in Norway highlighted that those who saw the same general practitioner (GP) for 15 years or more were 25% less likely to die, 28% less likely to require emergency admission to hospitals, and 30% less likely to need out-of-hours care. This continuity of care can be life-saving and provides immense reassurance.
In 2024, the Government promised to bring back the family doctor model. Yet, we are further away from achieving this than ever. Now, more than just bringing back the family doctor, we propose an urgent integration of mental health services within primary care. Overwhelming evidence suggests that mental health should be intertwined with physical health management, especially for chronic conditions.
This cause hits home personally for me. I lost my mom at the age of 62 to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and diabetes, conditions that became unbearable due to undiagnosed depression and anxiety. I witnessed her struggle with breathlessness and emotional turmoil, yet nobody in the medical process addressed her mental health. She spent her last four months in a coma, a tragic reminder that our health system often overlooks the mental health in chronic physical illnesses.
I led a UK-wide survey in October 2025 with Tele-Therapies and YouGov, and found that 69% of UK adults have little to no awareness of the anxiety/depression associated with such illnesses. This lack of awareness contributes to poor health outcomes, and it is a disservice to patients everywhere.And past reserach confirm links of COPD to dementia.
Therefore, I urge the Government not only to honor their promise but to extend it by integrating mental health services within primary care. Trained therapists alongside family doctors can provide comprehensive care that is responsive to both body and mind.
By signing this petition, you support a holistic approach to healthcare that can save lives and improve the quality of life for millions. Let's change the narrative, bring back the family doctor, and introduce therapists to primary care. Please sign and share this petition to make a difference.
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Petition created on 24 October 2026