School Lane SurgeryAs the festive season approaches, I wanted to take a moment to expresses our gratitude for all your support over the past year. At School Lane Surgery we are committed to providing you with the highest quality care possible.
I acknowledge that there have been instances where you may have faced challenges in securing appointments as quickly as you may have liked. I sincerely apologise for any inconvenience or frustration this may have caused.
We are actively recruiting for more clinical staff, including GPs, however this does take time and there is simply not enough GPs locally or nationally to meet demands. In a recent BMA article, as of October 2023, there are 1,996 fewer fully qualified GPs compared to the NHS base line date of September 2015 (source: https://www.bma.org.uk/advice-and-support/nhs-delivery-and-workforce/pressures/pressures-in-general-practice-data-analysis).
Other challenges faced include newly qualified clinicians training locally but deciding not to stay within Norfolk, attracted to larger cities or elsewhere where they may see a wider population and have more exposure to broader medical conditions. We have to also consider we have an aging primary care workforce. A Norfolk and Waveney ICB report “Primary Care Workforce Strategy 2022-2025” highlights that 27.2% of GPs & 33.8% of Nurses are aged 55 years or over (source: https://wecaretogethernw.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/NW-ICS-Primary-Care-Workforce-Strategy-2022-2025-v1.8.pdf).
Despite these challenges, we remain committed to enhancing our services and delivering the highest standards of care. We are actively working to secure additional GPs and are confident that the New Year will bring positive news regarding our recruitment efforts.
I would also like to take this opportunity to personally and publicly thank all the staff who work tirelessly at School Lane Surgery. Each member of staff works incredibly hard to try to ensure that patients get the best care possible daily.
All have displayed unparalleled resilience, professionalism, and compassion in ensuring that patients continue to receive the quality care they deserve. Their commitment has not gone unnoticed, and we are immensely proud of each member of our team, irrespective of their role.
I only joined School Lane recently since moving from another GP Practice in Norwich & I consider myself unbelievably lucky and proud to work with such a group of enthusiastic and caring staff.
On behalf of the entire team at School Lane Surgery, we wish all our patients a very Merry Christmas and a healthy, happy, and prosperous New Year.
M. Rolph
Business Manager
School Lane Surgery