Falkirk GPs need more help and more money to reduce 'overwhelming' workload

dailyrecord.co.uk:

Measures to reduce the workload of Falkirk GPs by bringing other health professionals "who really know their stuff" into surgeries are beginning to pay off - but more work and more cash are still needed, a report has found.

Members of Falkirk's Integrated Joint Board - which oversees health and social care locally - heard last Friday that the Primary Care Improvement Plan has made "excellent progress" over its first four years.

Since 2018, the Primary Care Improvement Plan has been rolled out across 50 practices across Forth Valley, introducing nearly 200 health professionals, including advanced nurse practitioners, physios, pharmacists and mental health nurses. Read more: Forth Valley hospital considers pharmacy changes as patients kept waiting to get out The report quotes Dr Kathleen Brennan, a Forth Valley GP, who says the expanded general practice team has been invaluable for GPs, whose work has changed dramatically in recent years.She says that the role of a GP has become much more complex, as many things that were traditionally managed in hospital now being managed in the community.That has created a workload that is "overwhelming" and the need to look at how to manage it.Falkirk Live brings you the latest headlines from Falkirk and beyond.But did you know all the ways you can stay informed with us?We share live news and exclusive scoops every day so make sure you're following us so we can keep you informed on all things Falkirk!"As GPs, we love seeing our patients and getting to know them and how best to help them - that's what we do, that's what we want to do." she said."But because of the sheer amount of work that we have, we want to be able to do that for our most complex patients where our skills are needed