“77 years on from its creation the NHS has excelled in its mission, people today can expect to live decades longer than they did in 1948. But this success comes with the challenge of supporting those living with complex co-morbidities to maintain their quality of life. The NHS’s founders couldn’t have foreseen the leading risk factors that are driving today’s preventable ill health, such as physical inactivity, poor diet and obesity.
“As the Government commits to investing in the NHS and bringing back the family doctor, that investment needs to reach frontline general practice, without strings attached, so each GP is looking after fewer registered patients. More GPs per patient means more time with each one and an end to the rushed consultations that both find so frustrating. This time can be spent on personalised care, discussing prevention and other activity that offers the NHS value for money.
“If properly supported, general practice can be the driving force behind preventing ill health and moving care closer to home, while using the unique connections that come from being based in the varied communities it serves across London. While the needs of the patients have changed and the health system has evolved with this, what hasn’t changed is the importance of the personal relationship between patients and their GPs.”