GP’s workload nears ‘saturation point’ amid NHS crisis as they ‘order three times as many tests’ than 15 years ago

WORKLOADS for GPs are reaching “saturation point” as they order more than three times as many tests than 15 years ago, scientists have said.

The diagnostics cost the NHS over £2.8billion a year, even using conservative estimates.

And reviewing results is increasing pressure on doctors, the researchers from institutions including Oxford and Stanford universities point out.

Lead author Dr Jack O’Sullivan, of Oxford University, said: “Our results support other evidence that suggests general practice workload in the UK is reaching saturation point.

“Similarly, our results indicate the burden of tests ordered by general practitioners on NHS expenditure.”

The researchers believe test numbers have shot up as GPs have more appointments. Patients also have a greater expectation they should be tested and NHS services have changed.

GPs in 2000/2001 ordered 14,869 tests per 10,000 “person years”, a measure which takes into account the number of patients and how long they lived.

But in 2015/16 this had risen to 49,267, the study published in the BMJ medical journal reported.

However, the nation’s top GP said family medics will always prioritise patient care over cost.

Professor Helen Stokes-Lampard, chair of the Royal College of GPs, said: “GPs are in an incredibly difficult position when it comes to making referrals or ordering blood tests and other investigations, in that we get criticised when we do, and criticised when we don’t.

“Ultimately, our priority is to our patients and we will work in their best interests.

“The fact that the last 15 years have seen more varied and more accurate diagnostic tests become available in the NHS is a good thing — but these do come at a cost.

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