Lost in the System: Why Patients and GPs Are Struggling to Navigate the NHS
However, talking to patients and GPs from across the UK has
shown that too many people feel that they are opening the
door to a maze.
The Royal College of GP's and The Patient Association has put together a report on NHS access titled: "It shouldn’t be this hard; Solving the NHS maze for
patients and GPs".
The report highlights that accessing NHS care can feel confusing and frustrating for both patients and GPs, with many describing it as a system full of barriers and dead ends. These challenges are especially difficult for patients with long-term conditions or accessibility needs.
A key issue is the difficulty of securing GP appointments, despite GPs working harder than ever under pressure from staff shortages and outdated systems. The report brings together patient experiences that mirror what GPs are witnessing across the UK, including long waiting times, rushed consultations, lost referrals and heavy administrative demands. It emphasises that both patients and healthcare professionals are facing the same systemic challenges.
The campaign behind the report seeks to improve accessibility and navigation within the NHS through collaborative solutions. It ultimately calls on governments to commit to meaningful reform, prioritising better connectivity, sustainability and stronger patient involvement in managing their own care.
