1 in 5 Struggling To Secure GP Appointments As Long Covid Lingers

With a significant proportion of the UK population experiencing the effects of so-called long covid, the importance of being able to secure a GP appointment when needed is paramount. But, sadly, many people are unable to get one when they need it most. This reality further highlights how beneficial private medical insurance can be.

One In 50 Thought To Have Long Covid

For most people, COVID-19 symptoms are mild and last between one and two weeks. However, there are some people who suffer long-term effects from the disease beyond four weeks from the initial illness. This is referred to as ‘long covid’.

Now, new data has revealed that as many as one in 50 people are thought to have long covid.

According to the Office for National Statistics figures, an estimated 1.3 million people – equivalent to around 2% of the population – were experiencing symptoms of long Covid as of 6 December 2021. Of these, 40% (506,000 people) first had Covid-19 at least 12 months previously. This represents a 15% increase on the number of people who said the same in a previous survey covering the four-week period ending 31 October 2021.

Of those who self-reported long covid, nearly two-thirds said their condition had affected their ability to carry out daily activities, which could extend to work. A fifth said their ability to undertake daily tasks had been “limited a lot”. 

Related Reading: 5 Healthcare Trends For 2022

One In Five Unable To Secure A GP Appointment

Potentially exacerbating the situation for long covid sufferers is the sad reality that GP appointments are proving difficult to secure at present. Indeed, according to new research from Simplyhealth, 20% of UK adults were unable to get an appointment with their GPs when they required one.

Furthermore, of those people who tried to make an appointment, two in five (40%) considered their needs to be ‘urgent'. Meanwhile, nearly half of people with ‘very urgent' medical issues couldn't secure a same-day appointment.

The research found that just under half (47%) of respondents had attempted to book an appointment with an NHS GP in the previous six months (July-December 2020).

During the period, telephone appointments with GPs were the most popular (51%), followed by in-person consultations (40%) and video calls (6%).

Commenting, Chrissy Fice, marketing director for Simplyhealth, said: "It's not always easy or convenient to take a trip to a GP surgery, but with access to a 24/7 video GP, people can get peace of mind, temporary relief and the next steps to sorting those everyday health concerns, whenever and wherever they need it."

Related Reading: More People Choosing Private Healthcare As NHS Waiting Lists Hit Record Highs

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For people with long covid - the effects of which can linger for months - not being able to secure a GP appointment when they need it is not only frustrating but also concerning. In such circumstances, the role of private medical insurance should never be underestimated, particularly as it enables individuals quick access to expert facilities and professionals.

If you would like to find out more about private medical insurance, including what options are open to you, please feel free to contact us.