GPs deliver record number of appointments
Mark Norman BBCA record number of appointments were delivered by GP surgeries across Sussex last year.
In 2024, NHS Sussex said more than 11.4 million appointments took place in the county.
In December, 51% of appointments were carried out by a professional other than a GP, including advanced nurse practitioners, physiotherapists and clinical pharmacists.
NHS Sussex clinical director, Dr James Simpkin, said: "There is an advantage for patients in seeing the right person at the right time."
This number of appointments in 2024 represents a 7% increase on those delivered in the previous year – equivalent to 65,400 additional appointments each month.
NHS Sussex said many surgeries are now able to offer appointments with a range of healthcare professionals who can support patients, without the need to see a doctor first.
Mark Norman BBCWorking with West Sussex County Council some Sussex GPs offer access for young people to support workers.
Mikey Pearce, a youth emotional support worker at the Maywood Health Care Centre in Bognor Regis, said: "We offer parents the chance to book an appointment with their child with one of us where they can get more specialist help."
The government has rolled out a national plan aimed at boosting appointments, which includes tackling the '8am rush' to book, and encouraging patients to take control of their healthcare by using the NHS app.
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