How Long Does It Take to Be Seen by a GP on the NHS?

In the UK, a growing number of people are struggling to see their GP when they need to. Recent reports indicate that one in four patients is waiting more than two weeks for an appointment, with nearly four million people waiting over a month. These long waiting times are increasingly problematic, as timely access to a GP is critical for early diagnosis and treatment.

Why Do NHS GP Waiting Times Vary?

NHS waiting times for GP appointments can differ depending on a variety of factors. Some of the main elements influencing wait times include:

• Practice Size and Resources – Smaller surgeries with fewer GPs and limited resources may have fewer available appointments, leading to longer wait times.

• Patient Demand – Areas with higher populations or more urgent medical needs will naturally experience longer waiting times.

• Appointment Urgency – Emergency and urgent cases are prioritised, leaving routine check-ups to be scheduled later.

• Time of Booking – The time at which you book your appointment also affects how soon you can be seen. Booking early in the morning can increase your chances of securing an earlier slot.

Understanding these factors can help manage expectations when booking a GP appointment, though it’s clear that demand continues to exceed supply in many regions.

How to Get Seen by a GP Faster on the NHS

While waiting times can be frustrating, there are several strategies to potentially reduce your wait and get seen sooner:

• Call as Soon as the Practice Opens – Being one of the first callers can help you secure a same-day appointment, especially for routine issues.

• Book an Online Consultation – Many GP surgeries now offer virtual consultations that can be quicker than traditional in-person appointments.

• Use NHS 111 – NHS 111 can assess your symptoms and sometimes help arrange an urgent GP appointment if necessary.

• Check for Cancellation Slots – Some GP surgeries allow patients to take over last-minute cancellations, offering a faster option to be seen.

• Visit a Walk-In Clinic – For urgent but non-life-threatening issues, walk-in centres can offer same-day medical care without the need for a booked appointment.

While these steps can sometimes speed up the process, the challenge remains: GP waiting times are still a significant concern for many patients.

InTouchNow: Using AI to Improve NHS GP Access

At InTouchNow, we’re helping NHS GP practices streamline their operations and reduce waiting times with the help of advanced AI technology. Our AI-powered voice agents are designed to sound like your lead GP, and they can:

• Answer multiple calls at once to reduce waiting on the phone.

• Triaging patients efficiently, determining the urgency of their needs, and directing them accordingly.

• Managing appointment scheduling and rescheduling automatically to improve appointment flow.

By incorporating AI into the reception process, GP practices can significantly reduce call waiting times, improve patient satisfaction, and free up medical professionals to focus on delivering care.

Experience a Faster, Smarter Way to Manage GP Appointments with InTouchNow

InTouchNow is transforming the way GP practices operate. Our AI-driven solutions make it easier to manage patient appointments and ensure that patients get seen in a timely manner.

Try InTouchNow today and see how we can help your practice manage patient demand more effectively, reduce waiting times, and improve overall patient care.