A ST HELENS health leader and GP insists surgeries are working to ensure patients get the care they need while still upholding Covid-related safety measures. 

The Star reported in September on struggles some people say they have faced to make an appointment to see a doctor face-to-face.

Numerous residents have bemoaned the limited availability of in-person appointments available at their practice, and have found it difficult understanding online systems.

There have also been complaints about the difficulties in making a booking through telephone systems and concerns elderly people in particular are worried that they can’t see their doctor to alleviate any stress or worries.

St Helens NHS Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) says doctor’s surgeries across the borough are open and staff are working harder than ever to make sure patients and the public are kept safe and they continue to get the care that they need.

While legal Covid-related restrictions such as wearing a face covering and guidance on social distancing ended in July in many places, they are still required in healthcare settings. This includes general practice, dental surgeries and hospitals.

Dr Michael Ejuoneatse, GP at Central Surgery and medical director at St Helens CCG, said face-to-face appointments will be arranged if a doctor feels it is required.

Dr Ejuoneatse said: “Additional safety measures, like wearing face coverings and limiting the number of people in practices at a time are still in place for the NHS, this is to ensure that we can still provide effective services and keep our most vulnerable patients and staff protected.

“If your GP feels that a face-to-face appointment is required, this will be arranged and patients will be seen by a GP or another appropriate member of clinical staff, which has been the case right the way through the pandemic.

"There are also pre-bookable appointments at evenings and weekends for those who need them. Simply ask at your practice for details.

“Most common conditions can be assessed and diagnosed by your GP via telephone or video consultation.”

The CCG says when trying to contact practices, it may take longer to get through on the phone than people are used to and adds if queries are not urgent, there are alternative options available, like online consultations where a form can be completed about a health issue which can be accessed via a Smartphone, tablet or computer.

Once questions on the form have been answered, a text or email will be sent confirming the online consultation is complete, and advice is given about what to do next. If the GP surgery needs to get in touch, they may suggest a phone or video consultation.

The CCG says that before the pandemic, GP practices were already very busy and that currently doctors are dealing with more patients than ever before.

Dr Ejuoneatse added: “GP practices are seeing a rise in demand which is higher than we would expect to see at this time of year. We are working hard to treat patients as soon as we can and we ask for patience while we do that.

“Most practices are still using a telephone first system to help manage the rising number of contacts or asking patients to use their online service if possible, to ensure everyone gets the most appropriate support for their needs.

“As well as GPs and practice nurses, there are other health professionals like pharmacists, physiotherapists and social prescribers working to support our patients.

"Our receptionists’ role is to assign the right health professional for you, so they may need to ask some questions about your condition. They will treat your information in the same strict confidence that medical professionals do.

“This way of working is essential to helping us continue to provide our service, including seeing patients whose condition means they need to be seen by a GP.

“We’d like to thank all our patients for working with us throughout the pandemic and for still wearing face-coverings, following social distancing rules and for their continued kindness and support when using our services.”

Data from NHS digital shows that in St Helens in August 2021, 66,676 appointments took place. Of these, 62 per cent were either face-to-face or home visits and 38 per cent were via telephone, video or online.

Meanwhile, 58 per cent of appointments were either the same day or the next day.