‘Rude’ GP staff blamed for A&E demand

Patients in Bradford were asked why they sought care at the city’s infirmary instead of visiting their GP.

Practice receptionists were described as being “poor communicators, rude and unfair”, often telling them to go to A&E if they could not arrange an appointment. Significant numbers of locum family doctors meant patients also found it difficult to build rapport or understanding with GPs.

Parents of children under five saw their GP practice as their preferred choice for care but found it difficult making appointments.

Those surveyed said specialist care was easier to access at A&E, while GP services “varied considerably”, with staff pressed for time.

The survey was discussed by health chiefs in Bradford at a meeting yesterday as part of plans to transform under-pressure urgent and emergency care services in the district.

Max Mclean, lay member for patient and public involvement at NHS Bradford City Clinical Commissioning Group, said work was underway with GP practices to improve access.