GPs highly trained to care for patients with asthma, says RCGP

RCGP Chair, Maureen Baker, says GPs are highly trained to care for patients with asthma, but need more investment to meet demand.

Dr Maureen Baker, chair of the RCGP, said: “Asthma is a distressing condition that affects millions of people across the UK, and patients should be reassured that in the majority of cases, it is managed well as GPs are highly trained to identify symptoms, prescribe appropriately and monitor treatment.
 
“We are concerned that some patients with asthma are finding it difficult to get an appointment with their GP practice but demand for family doctor services has rocketed, while investment and GP numbers have not kept pace.
 
“The College launched its Put patients first: Back general practice campaign to draw attention to the workforce and workload pressures affecting GPs.
 
“The GP Forward View, announced recently by NHS England, acknowledges that investing in general practice eases pressure on the rest of the NHS.
 
“It is vital that the pledges made in it are implemented as a matter of urgency so we can recruit, retain and return as many GPs across the UK to ensure we can continue to deliver the care our patients - particularly those with long-term conditions such as asthma - need and deserve.
 
"To support GPs and trainees in improving their skills in caring for patients with asthma, the RCGP has produced a free and comprehensive online training course, developed in partnership with the Primary Care Respiratory Society and Education for Health. This is available free to all healthcare professionals.”
 

Further Information

RCGP Press office: 020 3188 7574/7575/7581
Out of hours: 0203 188 7659
[email protected]

Notes to editor

The Royal College of General Practitioners is a network of more than 50,000 family doctors working to improve care for patients. We work to encourage and maintain the highest standards of general medical practice and act as the voice of GPs on education, training, research and clinical standards.

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GPs highly trained to care for patients with asthma, says RCGP