The recent cold snap has caused a large increase in patient
demand within GP surgeries and other health services. Public Health England has even advised GPs to
prioritise patients who may be particularly vulnerable to the cold, in order to
prevent weather related health conditions from escalating. Patients at risk include the elderly and
infirm, infants and asthma patients.
Severe Asthma Patient
Numbers Double
Figures from Public Health England have revealed that the
rates of lower respiratory tract infection are at an all-time high; and the
number of patients experiencing severe asthma has doubled since this time last
year. These cold weather related issues
are putting a strain on a number of GP surgeries, as more and more patients are
seeking prompt medical advice. One way
of dealing with the increased demand from patients during the cold spell is to hire
the services of locum GPs; who can be booked at relatively short notice in
order to ease the pressure from permanent GPs.
Catch it. Kill it.
Bin it
But what other methods can be used to try to combat health
issues which are related to cold weather? It has also been revealed that confirmed cases
of flu are at their highest levels in three years - which understandably not
only puts added pressure on GP surgeries, but also A&E departments. Public health officials have created a
campaign which informs the public to ‘Catch it.
Bin it. Kill it,’ as a method of
reminding the general public to dispose of tissues once they have been used,
and to wash their hands thoroughly to help to kill the flu virus. The campaign message is simple yet effective
and aims to reduce the flu virus spreading during the winter months.
Booking Locum GPs
Whilst most Practice Managers will be aware that winter will
understandably lead to a greater demand in patients needing to see their GP, as
the weather is particularly cold this year they may find that their usual
strategy is not coping with the sudden increased demand. Booking one or more locum GPs can certainly
help to provide a more efficient service to patients, and will also help to
ease the strain on the permanent GPs.
To find out more about booking a locum GP or perhaps
registering as a locum GP, feel free to visit the Locum Select website http://www.locumselect.com/locum-gp.php in order to find out more.
