Half of Britons avoid calling GP when they are ill, survey finds

Most believe they will struggle to get an appointment, with over a quarter choosing to manage ailment themselves Almost half the public delay or avoid contacting their GP surgery when they are ill, mainly because they think they will struggle to get an appointment. Overall 48% of people across the UK did not bother to ask their family doctor for help – either initially or at all – when they got sick over the past year, a survey found. Faster access to GPs and A&E are the public’s top prioriti...

By Denis Campbell health policy editor