GPs have always played a major role in British healthcare, but ask anyone who’s been around long enough, and they’ll tell you that things aren’t what they used to be.
Whether it’s the result of NHS pressures like budget cuts and staffing issues or changing priorities, some aspects of patient care have noticeably shifted over the years, and not in a good way. There are certain things they used to do regularly and without thinking for patients that honestly feel like distant memories these days, and it’s pretty depressing.
1. Taking time to truly listen during appointments
There was a time when a trip to your doctor’s surgery felt like a proper chat. Patients could talk about their concerns without feeling rushed, and doctors seemed to genuinely listen. These days, with appointment slots averaging 10 minutes (or less), it’s hard not to feel like you’re being hurried out the door. It’s not always the GP’s fault — there’s immense pressure on the system with overwhelming patient lists. But the lack of time can leave many feeling unheard, especially when health issues are complex or difficult to explain in a short window.
2. Home visits for housebound patients
Remember when GPs regularly made house calls? If you were too unwell to get to the surgery, you could count on a doctor showing up at your door. Now, home visits are increasingly rare and often reserved for the most extreme cases. While there are legitimate logistical challenges, this change leaves some of the most vulnerable patients, like the elderly or disabled, feeling forgotten. For many, dealing with online consultations just isn’t the same as having someone physically check in on their health at home.
3. Offering holistic care instead of just addressing symptoms
GPs used to take a more holistic approach, looking at your overall well-being rather than just ticking off symptoms. Conversations would include lifestyle, mental health, and preventative advice. Now, consultations often feel like a box-ticking exercise designed to treat the immediate issue as quickly as possible. System pressures mean doctors are often left firefighting rather than addressing the bigger picture. Patients are increasingly sent to specialists or left to figure out long-term health improvements on their own, which can feel isolating and fragmented.
4. Proactively managing chronic conditions
If you had a chronic condition in the past, you might remember your GP regularly checking in to see how you were managing. Whether it was asthma, diabetes, or high blood pressure, they’d take an active role in monitoring your health. Now, much of this responsibility has shifted to patients themselves, with reminders for check-ups often left to automated systems. While technology has its benefits, it can feel impersonal and leaves those who struggle to self-manage their conditions falling through the cracks.
5. Offering emotional support alongside medical care
GPs once felt like the first port of call for not just physical health but emotional well-being too. They’d ask how you were coping and offer a comforting word when life felt overwhelming. Today, mental health often feels like an afterthought in short consultations. While the introduction of specific mental health services has been a step forward, it’s also created a sense of disconnect. Patients often feel shuffled between departments rather than getting holistic care under one roof, making the process more stressful than supportive.
6. Prescribing treatment without endless bureaucracy
Getting a prescription used to be straightforward: your GP assessed you, and that was that. These days, the process often involves extra hoops, with some medications requiring secondary consultations, lengthy approval processes, or online forms before you can get what you need. While safeguards are important, the added layers of red tape can feel exhausting for patients, especially those dealing with chronic illnesses. It’s hard not to wonder whether this bureaucracy prioritises policy over people.
7. Building long-term relationships with patients
There was a time when you saw the same GP for years, and they got to know you, your history, and even your family. These relationships built trust and made care feel more personal. Now, it’s rare to see the same doctor twice. The reliance on locums and staff shortages means continuity of care has taken a back seat. While many GPs work hard to bridge the gap, the lack of familiarity can leave patients feeling like just another number on the list.
8. Diagnosing without over-reliance on technology
In the past, GPs relied heavily on their clinical experience and instincts to make diagnoses. Now, there’s a growing dependence on tests, scans, and online symptom checkers before decisions are made. (I’ve even seen a GP whip out a book to consult on what the issue might be!) While technology is valuable, it sometimes feels like intuition has taken a back seat. This change can make healthcare feel more impersonal, as patients are left waiting for test results rather than receiving on-the-spot insights. While accuracy is important, patients often miss the reassurance of a GP’s confident judgement during consultations. Plus, it makes you wonder if you would have been better off just diagnosing yourself on Google!
9. Offering same-day appointments without hassle
Not so long ago, getting a same-day appointment was relatively simple if you called first thing in the morning. Now, the fight to see a GP feels like trying to score Glastonbury tickets. Online booking systems and lengthy phone queues make it difficult to access care when you need it most. For many, the lack of accessibility can delay treatment and worsen health outcomes. It’s a frustrating change that leaves patients wondering why basic access to care has become such a challenge.
10. Checking in after a serious diagnosis
If you were diagnosed with a serious illness in the past, your GP would likely follow up to see how you were coping and ensure you understood your next steps. These days, follow-ups often fall by the wayside, leaving patients to navigate the aftermath alone. The lack of follow-through can feel isolating, especially when dealing with life-altering conditions. Patients often rely on specialist services, but without the GP’s personal touch, the process can feel disconnected and overwhelming.
11. Writing letters and referrals without a fight
GPs used to provide referrals and write support letters with minimal hassle. Now, it often feels like pulling teeth to get a note for work, school, or additional services. The shift towards stricter criteria and longer waiting times has made getting the support you need more complicated. While tighter guidelines aim to prevent misuse, they’ve also added unnecessary stress for patients who genuinely need these services. The process feels less supportive and more like an uphill battle. Plus, there’s the fact that if you need them to fill out paperwork for you, the surgery will often charge you — and make you wait 28 days or longer — for the pleasure.
12. Taking time to explain treatment plans clearly
In the past, GPs would take the time to walk you through your treatment options, ensuring you felt informed and confident in your care. Now, with shorter appointments and busy schedules, explanations often feel rushed or overly technical. Patients are frequently left to Google their conditions or medications, which can lead to confusion and anxiety. Clear, empathetic communication is key to good healthcare, and its absence is a loss many patients feel keenly.
13. Offering preventative care instead of reactive solutions
GPs once placed a strong emphasis on prevention — encouraging healthier lifestyles, running routine screenings, and catching potential issues before they became serious. Now, the focus has shifted toward treating problems as they arise, with less attention paid to preventing them in the first place. That reactive approach is often a symptom of systemic strain, but it leaves patients feeling like their long-term health isn’t a priority. Reintroducing preventative care as a central focus could benefit both patients and the wider healthcare system in the long run.
