GPs raise alarm as patients flag life-threatening symptoms in non-urgent forms

A new poll found more than two-thirds of GPs are concerned about patient safety

Patients have submitted requests about life-threatening conditions on non-urgent forms following changes to online access in GP surgeries, family doctors have said.

Since October 1, GP surgeries in England have been required to keep their online consultation platform open during working hours for non-urgent appointment requests, medication queries and admin requests. However, family doctors told Pulse magazine they have received reports from patients about difficulty breathing, rectal bleeding and severe vomiting on the forms, which are designed for non-emergencies.

A new poll of 431 GPs and practice managers by Pulse found more than two-thirds (67 per cent) are concerned about patient safety since the change.

Read more here in the Independent.