Over 100,000 people in Bath & North East Somerset, Wiltshire and Swindon had to wait more than two weeks to see a GP in September, new research has revealed.
The figure made up 22% of all GP appointments for the region, up from the 16% of patients who waited more than two weeks to see a doctor in January.
The figures were analysed by the Liberal Democrats, using data from the House of Commons Library.
Across the country, over 5 million people waited more than two weeks for a GP appointment in September, making up 17.9% of all GP visits.
Bath MP Wera Hobhouse said the “alarming figures” show that patients in Bath are “being let down”.
Ms Hobhouse has now called for there to be a focus on retention and recruitment. It’s hoped that enlarging the workforce will reduce workload and protect GPs from the stresses of burnout that has led many to leave or retire early.
Wera Hobhouse, MP for Bath, said: “These alarming figures show our local health service is being driven into the ground under this Conservative Government.
“Behind these statistics are so many people and families in Bath anxiously waiting for an appointment for worrying symptoms. Many are being seen far far too late.
“I am proud that Liberal Democrats have put forward a credible plan to ensure that our neglected health service can finally be fixed.
“It should be implemented with urgency to save our local health service and finally give people in Bath a fair deal.
“Every day the Government’s promises become more and more hollow. The sad truth is they’re disinterested in our NHS, and refuse to take action to pull it back from the brink.
“People here in Bath will pay the price if this Government continues to take us for granted and sit on their hands.”
