New figures from BMA Cymru Wales show that more than half of GPs in Wales cannot routinely meet patient demand.
The survey found that 54% of GPs say patient access is routinely inadequate, while 63% say excessive workload is routinely or constantly affecting patient care.
The survey also reveals that GP practices are being forced to freeze recruitment, delay investment and even reduce services in order to survive.
Natasha Asghar MS, Shadow Minister for Health and Social Care, said:
“These findings are deeply worrying but, sadly, they won’t come as a surprise to patients who are struggling to get a GP appointment.
“GPs are often the first port of call in our NHS, yet after 27 years of Labour and Plaid Cymru governments, they have been left overstretched, underfunded and unable to meet growing demand.
“When GP practices cannot recruit staff, are forced to freeze investment and are even cutting services just to keep their doors open, it is patients who pay the price through longer waits and poorer access to care.
“If we are serious about shifting more healthcare into the community and reducing pressure on hospitals, then general practice must be properly resourced.
“Welsh Conservatives have consistently called for greater investment in primary care, cutting bureaucracy and ensuring GP practices have the workforce and resources they need to provide timely care.
“The Welsh Government must act so that patients can have confidence that they can get a GP appointment when they need one.”
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