Over 15,000 GPs surveyed by the British Medical Assocation reported that their heavy workload was having a negative impact on the quality of care they were providing.

Nine out of 10 GPs reported this negative impact, with 1 out of 10 confirming that they considered 10 minute consultations adequate.

The majority of GPs considered that more funding and time with patients was required to improve services.

Other issues of concern to GPs included:

• 50% of GPs thought practices should offer extended opening, but only one in five thought seven-day services – as proposed by the coalition – should happen
•  When asked what measures should be taken to relieve the pressure, 76% said funding should be increased; 74% that more GPs be employed; and 70% wished for longer consultation times

The poll is the latest evidence of growing pressures on GPs. Undoubtedly mental health issues which require longer consultation times are causing a major part of this heavy workload, with GPs unable to provide treatments or solutions to what can be very difficult and complicated mental health issues.

For more information on this report visit the BBC website.

If you are struggling with emnatl health issues please call us direct on 020 7993 4151 for our London clinic and 029 2002 6288 for our Cardiff clinic.