With the latest GP appointments data highlighting the continued pressure facing primary care services across the UK, Dr David Griffiths, Chief Medical Officer at Teladoc Health UK and a practising GP, has shared his thoughts on the growing role digital healthcare services can play in supporting both employees and employers.
Dr David Griffiths, Chief Medical Officer, at Teladoc Health UK, said:
“Today’s GP appointments data highlights the sustained pressure facing primary care, driven by rising demand and increasingly complex patient need. While GP teams are delivering more appointments than ever, access to timely support remains variable, with patients in many areas finding it difficult to get the help they need.
This has a direct impact on employers. When people struggle to access the right care early, health issues can worsen, affecting symptoms, function and ultimately their ability to stay in work.
Employers cannot solve NHS capacity challenges, nor can virtual care completely replace general practice. But, and it’s a big but, for appropriate, everyday health concerns, virtual services can provide an open digital front door, offering timely advice, triage, and direction to the most appropriate next step.
The opportunity is enhanced when virtual care is joined up. Integrated access to services such as physiotherapy, mental health support and nutrition advice allows people to get earlier, more targeted support and early intervention can prevent symptoms from worsening.”
