New figures show that GP practices across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight delivered over 1.2 million appointments for patients this October. This is a new record and an increase of 55,000 compared to the same month last year.
This milestone reflects the ongoing commitment of local practice teams to meet growing patient demand and improve access to care.
Online consultations also grew following the change that came into effect this October meaning all practices are open for routine requests only between 8am and 6.30pm.
While digital options are proving increasingly popular and convenient, they complement rather than replace face-to-face care, which remains central to general practice.
Dr Steph Carter, a GP Partner at Adelaide Medical Centre in Hampshire, explains:
“Many practices like my own have been offering online access for some time already. This change means every practice is open for routine online requests between set hours to help beat the 8am rush.
“More people making use of these convenient online access options means more face-to-face time for patients with complex issues, or for those who may not be as comfortable or able to use online tools. Around 60% of appointments are still face to face and it remains a corner stone of general practice.”
Patients are also continuing to benefit from the Pharmacy First service with around 10,000 using it now each month in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. This allows people to get expert advice and treatment for minor conditions, without needing a GP appointment.
These improvements mean patients have more ways to access care quickly and conveniently, whether through their local GP practice, online consultations, or community pharmacies. By offering a range of services in the community, the local NHS is ensuring people get the right care in the right place at the right time this winter.
James Roach, Director of Primary and Local Care at NHS Hampshire and Isle of Wight, said:
"These figures demonstrate the incredible efforts of our GP teams and local pharmacies to provide timely, accessible care for our communities across the primary care landscape.
“By offering a mix of face-to-face, online, and pharmacy-based services, we’re ensuring patients can get the help they need in the way that works best for them.
“Expanding primary care access and offering more care closer to home in the community is a key part of delivering on the outcomes of the new ten year plan for the NHS here in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight."
Help us to help you this winter
Despite the incredible efforts of your local NHS teams in delivering record levels of care, we expect this winter to bring serious challenges for patients and services across the health and care system.
We can all play our part to ensure we stay well this winter and support services to manage by following these five simple steps:
- Think Pharmacy First for minor illness. Join the tens of thousands of people using their community pharmacy as a source of expert advice and treatment for minor illness. They can also now offer prescription medicine for seven common conditions (where appropriate) without the need to see a GP.
- Get a flu jab as soon as possible to protect yourself and your loved ones. This year, flu cases are already surging more than a month earlier than usual so don’t delay getting your protection. You can find out if you’re eligible for a free NHS flu or COVID-19 vaccination at: nhs.uk/vaccinations
- Prepare for times when you may not feel your best by keeping basic supplies and remedies at home – seek timely medical advice from your GP, pharmacist, or NHS 111 to help avoid hospital admission.
- Only attend the emergency department (ED) if your condition is urgent and poses a risk to life or limb. Please seek care from alternative healthcare providers whenever possible, allowing your emergency team to concentrate on delivering critical, life-saving treatment to those in greatest need.
- Actively support hospital discharge plans when loved ones are ready to return home. Helping patients back to familiar surroundings not only benefits them but also frees up beds for those in urgent need of care.
Hampshire and Isle of Wight Healthcare NHS Foundation Trusts offer some top tips on how to look after your mental health over the winter months.