Demand for GP appointments
According to the latest NHS Digital data for September 2021:
- almost 393,000 appointments were 'booked' with GP surgeries in North Yorkshire and York in September 2021 - almost 34,000 more than in September 2019
- not including 'unknowns', more than 96% of appointments were 'attended'
- excluding 'unknowns', more than half of all appointments were with a GP
- more than two thirds of all appointments (66.8%) were face-to-face (not including 'unknowns')
- almost half of all appointments were same-day or next day
The CCG understands how this sustained bow-wave in demand is impacting practices - particularly with other pressures on top, like staff sickness and ongoing COVID safety protocols.
We've developed three sets of graphics - mainly for use on social media and digital channels - to encourage patients to be more aware of pressures in general practice and access appointments responsibly.
Resources
Suggested messages to use with artwork
- In September, more than 96% of the 392,770 appointments made with GP practices in North Yorkshire and York were 'attended' - a big thank you to our patients for keeping those appointments. If you have an appointment you no longer need, please cancel it with your practice so it can be given to another patient in need.
- GP practices in North Yorkshire and York are continuing to experience a high demand for appointments - if you have an appointment you no longer need or are unable to make, please cancel it so it can be used by someone else.
- Almost 393,000 appointments were 'booked' with GP surgeries in North Yorkshire and York in September. If you have an appointment you no longer need, please cancel it so it can be used by another patient.
- There's high demand for GP practice appointments in North Yorkshire and York. If you've booked an appointment and no longer need it or can't make it, please cancel it so it can be used by another patient.
- Please do your bit to help others – if you have an appointment you no longer require or can't make, please cancel it.
Campaign materials: SET ONE
Highlights the volume of appointments being 'booked' with practices, while subtly drawing attention to the number of 'Did Not Attends' and encouraging patients to cancel an appointment if it's no longer needed, or they can't make it.
Available for download (just click on the links below), for use on social media, digital screens and websites:-
For an editable version of this artwork that you can customise with your own practice name, logo and data, please email nyccg.engagement@nhs.net
Campaign materials: SET TWO
Available for download, for use on social media, digital screens and websites:-
Campaign materials: SET THREE
The third graphic is intended to draw patients' attention to the high number of appointments currently being made with GP practices - and how it compares to 2019, when COVID was not a factor.
Available to download (just click on the link below), for use on social media, digital screens and websites:-
For an editable version of this artwork that you can customise with your own practice name, logo and data, please email voyccg.communications@nhs.net