Being a GP in the NHS is one of the most demanding yet underappreciated roles in healthcare, especially these days.
While many people see them as the first point of contact for medical concerns, few truly understand the pressures they face behind the scenes. From overwhelming workloads to emotional exhaustion, their job is far from easy. Here are some of the daily realities GPs deal with that might make you see them in a different light.
1. The long hours include more than just seeing patients.
Many people assume that once a GP’s clinic hours are over, their work is done for the day. In reality, their responsibilities extend far beyond consultations, with admin tasks, follow-ups, and emergency cases often keeping them at work long after they’re supposed to finish.
They regularly stay late writing up patient notes, reviewing test results, or making urgent referrals. Even when they’re off-duty, they might still be responding to medical queries or catching up on paperwork, making it hard to ever fully switch off from work.
2. The amount of paperwork is overwhelming.
It’s easy to think a GP’s main job is diagnosing and treating patients, but a huge chunk of their time is actually spent on admin. From referrals and prescriptions to writing medical reports and reviewing test results, the sheer volume of paperwork can be staggering.
With so much time spent on forms and documentation, it’s no surprise that GPs often feel stretched thin. Many say they’d love to spend more time with patients, but the demands of administration make it impossible to give each case as much attention as they’d like. This is also why most surgeries will charge patients for referral letters or filling out private insurance paperwork — it’s extra work for already overworked doctors!
3. Breaking bad news never gets easier.
One of the hardest parts of being a GP is delivering tough news. Whether it’s diagnosing a life-changing illness, discussing a poor prognosis, or explaining that a treatment option isn’t available, these conversations never become routine.
Unlike specialists, who may deal with specific conditions every day, GPs see a huge variety of cases, often forming long-term relationships with their patients (yes, this still happens). It makes it even more emotionally taxing when they have to give devastating news to someone they’ve known and cared for over time.
4. There are never enough appointments to go around.
GPs are under immense pressure to see as many patients as possible, but the demand for appointments always outweighs availability. Many surgeries are booked up weeks in advance, leaving patients frustrated and GPs feeling helpless.
Even when they do manage to squeeze in extra appointments, they’re often forced to rush through consultations, trying to address multiple concerns in just 10 minutes. It’s a constant battle between doing their best for each patient and simply keeping up with the never-ending workload.
5. NHS staff shortages make everything harder.
The ongoing shortage of GPs in the NHS means that those who remain are often covering more patients than they realistically should. With fewer colleagues to share the workload, they take on extra responsibilities, increasing stress and burnout.
It also means that patients don’t always get the continuity of care they need. Many people struggle to see the same GP regularly, which can lead to frustration on both sides when doctors have to play catch-up with unfamiliar cases. It’s not on purpose; they literally just don’t have any more bandwidth.
6. Learning never stops.
GPs aren’t just diagnosing coughs and colds; they’re responsible for identifying symptoms of everything from cancer to rare autoimmune disorders. To do this, they have to constantly update their knowledge and stay on top of medical advancements.
Even after years of medical school and training, their learning never ends. Guidelines change, treatments evolve, and new research emerges, meaning they’re always studying, attending training sessions, or researching cases in their own time.
7. Work-life balance is practically non-existent.
With long hours, endless paperwork, and the emotional toll of their work, many GPs struggle to maintain any kind of work-life balance. Their days are so packed that even their lunch breaks are often spent catching up on admin.
When they do get time off, it’s rarely enough to fully recharge. Many GPs report feeling exhausted even on their days off, and with staff shortages making it harder to take holidays, burnout is an ever-present risk. That’s why many end up going off on the sick, which then leads to further under-staffing. It’s a vicious cycle!
8. Bureaucracy makes everything harder.
GPs don’t just deal with medicine; they also have to navigate endless NHS bureaucracy. Whether it’s securing funding for treatments, dealing with referrals, or following strict guidelines, the red tape can be exhausting.
Sometimes, the system makes it harder for them to do what they know is best for their patients. They may want to refer someone for urgent specialist care but have to jump through hoops just to get approval, adding even more stress to their already overwhelming workload.
9. Burnout is a serious problem.
The combination of high workloads, emotional strain, and lack of downtime has left many GPs facing burnout. The feeling of being constantly overworked with no end in sight leads to exhaustion, stress, and in some cases, doctors leaving the profession entirely.
Some GPs suffer from anxiety and depression due to the relentless pressure, and with the increasing demands of the job, more are struggling to keep going. Despite this, many continue because they care deeply about their patients and don’t want to let them down.
10. Patients expect them to have all the answers.
GPs are expected to know everything, but the reality is that medicine is complex, and not every symptom has a straightforward explanation. While they have extensive training, they sometimes need to refer patients to specialists or conduct further tests before reaching a conclusion.
Unfortunately, some patients get frustrated when they don’t get an instant diagnosis or treatment plan. While it’s understandable, it puts even more pressure on GPs, who are doing their best with the limited time and resources available.
11. They’re stretched financially, too.
Many people assume that all doctors earn a fortune, but the reality for NHS GPs is different. Running a practice (if they’re partners) comes with high costs, and many are struggling to keep up with increasing expenses and limited NHS funding. Plus, while the cost of living has skyrocketed, their wages certainly haven’t.
With rising patient demand and financial constraints, some GPs have to make tough decisions about what services they can offer. Despite working long hours and taking on huge responsibilities, many feel undervalued and underpaid.
12. Technology is a blessing and a curse.
While digital advancements have made certain aspects of healthcare more efficient, they’ve also created new challenges. Online consultations, electronic records, and remote monitoring tools all require GPs to adapt quickly. It also makes treatment a lot harder when these systems inevitably glitch or go down from time to time.
Learning new systems while keeping up with their usual workload can be overwhelming. Although technology has benefits, it also adds another layer of responsibility to an already demanding job.
13. Legal and ethical dilemmas are part of the job.
GPs often face really hard ethical decisions, from deciding whether to sign off on sick notes to handling safeguarding concerns. Every decision carries potential legal and professional consequences, making their job even more stressful.
Even small mistakes can have serious repercussions, so they have to be extremely careful. Balancing patient care with strict regulations is a constant challenge that many people don’t see. Even if you think a GP sounds flippant, chances are, they’re battling serious ethical dilemmas internally.
14. Public criticism makes everything worse.
With increasing pressures on the NHS, GPs are often blamed for things beyond their control. Long wait times, appointment shortages, and service limitations all lead to frustration, but many patients don’t realise just how hard GPs are working behind the scenes.
Being on the receiving end of complaints and criticism only adds to their stress. While feedback is important, a little more understanding could go a long way in making their job less overwhelming.
