The NHS - Still Here For You

GPs in South West London have launched a new campaign to persuade the public to seek the urgent care and treatment they need.

The plea comes alongside new findings by NHS England that four in ten people are too concerned about being a burden on the NHS to seek help from their GP.

Seeking medical help is one of the four reasons that people can safely leave home, in line with government guidance linked to measures introduced following the coronavirus outbreak.

Merton GP and Chair of the South West London Clinical Commissioning Group, Dr Andrew Murray said: “We know some people will be worried that by contacting their local surgery they’ll be putting extra strain on the NHS – but GPs want people to get in touch about significant health concerns before they get worse.

People are being urged to contact their GP or the 111 service if they have urgent care needs – or 999 in emergencies - and to attend hospital if they are told they should.

The NHS is also reminding people that other vital services should be used as they normally would - such as cancer screening and care, immunisations, maternity appointments and mental health support.

Wandsworth GP Dr Nicola Jones said: “GPs are working in different ways to support patients while reducing their need to travel – we can help with lots of issues over the phone or using video consultations.”

“If you do need to come to your practice or we need to send you to hospital for further tests, the NHS has made changes to ensure patients who don't have Covid-19 can access services safely.”

Across the country, the NHS has significantly increased its capacity and combined with effective social distancing by the public to slow the spread of the virus, this has meant that the NHS has so far successfully been able to meet everyone's need, with capacity to spare.