We are very aware of the waiting time to get through on the phones. Sadly there is little we can do at the moment. We are unable to open up online booking in case a patient who is COVID positive books a face to face appointment. This is for the safety of both patients and staff.
Across the north east alone there were 2 million more GP consultations in 2021/2022 than there were in any year pre-pandemic. There are more GPs leaving the profession every day.
Please continue therefore to be patient. We cannot work any harder than we are and we are continuing to take great care of our patients despite the extra workload. Many places are no longer impacted by the aftermath of COVID. GP practices are still dealing with it on a daily basis. Thank you for your understanding.