Dr Nick Rogers, Chair of Kernow Local Medical Committee – which represents general practice – said: “The LMC has just launched its General Practice Alert State (GPAS) to highlight the pressure on local GP surgeries in Cornwall and demonstrate the need for support from local health system partners.
“Eight local GP practices declared a Black Alert – the highest indicator of pressure – in the most recent results and some of these requested support and are receiving it. Overall, Kernow declared a Red Alert.
“Local GP practices and their hard-working teams are grappling with a perfect storm of challenges including very high demand for services, increased GP and staff sickness, recruitment shortages, years of under-investment nationally, and problems across the health and social care system.
“I would like to reassure patients that general practice in Cornwall is open and patients continue to be prioritised according to their clinical needs. We are working as hard, fast and safely as possible to deliver the best outcomes for our patients.
“Despite the challenges faced, the latest independent GP Patient Survey released recently confirms that Cornwall is among the best places in the country for satisfaction with general practice services, including the types of appointment offered to patients, their needs being met, trust and confidence in the healthcare professional who saw them, and the amount of time spent with them.”
