Liberal Democrat MP for Mid Dorset and North Poole, Vikki Slade, has called for an “emergency package to save the family doctor” as GP wait-times across Dorset reach record highs.
New data reveals that since January, 377,832 GP appointments in Dorset have taken over 28 days to take place, up 165% compared with five years ago. The number of patients waiting more than two weeks has also risen sharply, from 409,139 in 2020 to 973,538 this year — a 138% increase.
Nationally, research commissioned by the Liberal Democrats shows similar patterns, with record levels of patients waiting over two and four weeks for appointments. Across England, wait-times of more than 14 days have more than doubled since 2020.
Vikki Slade said more must be done to fix access to primary care. She has outlined a four-point plan including a guaranteed right to be seen by a GP within seven days, or 24 hours if urgent; funding to reopen closed surgeries; a 24/7 booking system; and a major recruitment drive to bring in more doctors.
She said over 1,700 residents responded to her local health survey, many reporting frustration over delays and lack of surgeries in growing communities such as Wimborne, Upton and Bearwood.
Vikki Slade added that doctors and staff are exhausted, and years of underfunding have left GP services struggling. She urged the government to act now so patients can access the care they need when they need it.
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