GP Surgeries Are Very Busy – How This Affects You

What’s happening in Kent and Medway and how you can help

Lots of people are seeing their GP for help with their health. In just one month, nearly half of everyone living in Kent and Medway had a GP appointment. Most people still prefer to see a doctor face-to-face, but not everyone needs to see a GP.

GP practices are under a lot of pressure. There are fewer GPs now, but more people needing care. Many people are also waiting for hospital treatment, and GPs are helping support them while they wait. GP teams are also seeing more patients with mental health needs.

This page explains why GP surgeries are so busy, what they are doing to help, and what you can do to make sure everyone gets the care they need.

 

How Many People Had GP Appointments?

  • In one month, 941,555 people had an appointment at a GP surgery.

  • Over 432,000 of these were face-to-face (in person).

  • 69% of all appointments were face-to-face.

  • 58% of appointments with a GP were face-to-face.

This means nearly half of the people in Kent and Medway saw someone in a GP practice that month.

 

Why Are GP Surgeries So Busy?

  • Kent and Medway has the lowest number of GPs per person in England.

  • In Medway and Swale, there are around 3,833 patients for every full-time GP.

  • Across the area, the average is 2,702 patients per full-time GP.

  • GP surgeries are dealing with more people every month – about 2,500 new patients join each month.

  • Since 2018, 55 GP practices have closed in Kent and Medway.

 

What Are GPs Dealing With?

  • A big increase in people with mental health conditions.

  • Helping patients who are waiting for hospital care due to long waiting lists.

  • Managing more follow-up work from hospitals.

 

How You Can Help

  1. Choose the right service
    You don’t always need to see a GP. Receptionists can help you find the best person to talk to.
    Visit: kentandmedway.icb.nhs.uk/your-health/local-services

  2. Waiting for hospital care?
    Contact the hospital directly to check on your wait time.
    Visit: kentandmedway.icb.nhs.uk/hospital-waiting-times

  3. Be kind to staff
    GP surgery teams are working very hard to care for everyone.

  4. Cancel appointments you can’t attend
    In March, 38,865 people missed their appointment.
    If you cancel ahead, someone else can use that time.

 

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Published: May 15, 2025