General practice needs “rebuttal unit” to counter inaccurate media stories, conference hears

General practice has been targeted by a “hideous” and inaccurate campaign by some sections of the press designed to cover up government failings, and needs a strong coordinated communications strategy to defend itself, a conference has heard.

Attendees at a King’s Fund meeting on 19 May discussed how to solve the access crisis in primary care that leads to some patients complaining of not being able to see their doctor despite GPs working harder than ever before. The event heard how practices are working smarter to cope with the shortage of GPs through skill mix, creation of new roles, and greater use of triage and telephone consultations, with …