How can I advocate for myself this winter as the NHS faces seasonal pressure?

As we fall deep into the winter season, and the UKHSA reporting flu positivity being at a medium level , the winter season continues to test NHS services.

A survey from law firm, Slater and Gordon, reveals that a quarter of UK adults are finding themselves waiting up to three weeks for an initial GP appointment. Amidst heightened pressure for healthcare support in the winter months, there is no doubt more pressure will be felt by the NHS.

However, shocking new findings report that one in three people believe they have been misdiagnosed when eventually being seen; raising major concerns over the quality of their GP services during the winter wait.

The law firm calls for the public to push for the answers they need when seeking support for their health, especially during the colder months, to ensure patients are being treated efficiently and quickly.

Among those affected by a suspected misdiagnosis, just over a third turned to seeking a second opinion whilst winter pressures mount on NHS services. Alternatively, 31 per cent turned to another professional to confirm the misdiagnosis, whereas 18 per cent went private.

Under NHS waiting times, one in two respondents believe GPs see too many patients to be able to do their job effectively. When respondents were able to sit down with a medical professional, nearly 40 per cent felt ignored when describing their symptoms.

There is a clear need for better services and treatment, despite heightened pressure from the colder weather bringing seasonal flus and colds. With 60 per cent of people believing less misdiagnoses would occur if GPs weren’t so rushed, people's health and wellbeing are at serious risk.

Slater and Gordon encourages people to ensure they are taking their concerns to GPs and have the confidence to push for answers when they believe their doctor could be doing more.

With a concerning 35 per cent of people admitting they do not bother getting in touch with their GP, Emma Doughty, Head of Clinical Negligence comments: “When you seek help from a healthcare provider, you have the right to expect time to set out and discuss your symptoms and concerns. You deserve a standard of care and if possible investigations which lead to a considered diagnosis. The level of misdiagnosis which seems to be happening is truly shocking and that has inevitably caused a lack of faith and trust in local healthcare providers, as shown by the study.

“If you feel that you are being ignored, mistreated or misdiagnosed then please feel encouraged to speak out. Our team can help you find the answers you need around what happened in your case and can support you in finding resolution.”