The majority of GP’s are taking advantage of the pandemic and keeping their doors closed to patients who need their care by only offering phone appointments. Too many serious illnesses are going undiagnosed and patients are being directed to NHS 111, A&E or their pharmacist, all who have remained functional during the pandemic. Even dentists are operating with patients so why are GP’s any different? Why are they refusing to see us? As a nation we have taken steps to “reopen” but GP surgeries have remained the same, diagnosing illness over the phone and refusing to see sick children without a negative COVID test first. Where is the compassion and care? We pay for the NHS and we have a right to be seen!

Our communities need this first point care now more than ever. Reopening to patients will take the burden off the already stretched and heroic teams in A&E and will make sure that misdiagnosis is ruled out. It will give patients suffering with their mental health a voice again. It will give our elderly the local care they need. It will give parents reassurance that their child will be seen quickly when they are ill. It will mean that life threatening illness is diagnosed sooner. 

If Dentists, A&E, Pharmacies, Schools, retail, pubs and restaurants can operate with the changes they have made because of the pandemic then so can they. Sign my petition today to take action to reopen the doors of our GP surgeries - it may just save someone’s life.