New data has revealed the proportion of patients in Sefton who were given a face-to-face appointment with their GP.
Just 44.8 per cent of patients living in the south of the borough had face-to-face consultations between the start of January and the middle of last month, according to data commissioned by the Lib Dems.
The figure isn't much higher for people in Southport and Formby - where just 50% managed to see a doctor during the same time period.
READ MORE: We want to hear your experiences of trying to book a GP appointment
GPs in the area have today explained why you may be offered a different type of appointment.
Local health bosses say most conditions can be assessed and diagnosed via telephone or video consultation.
Dr Rob Caudwell, local GP and chair of NHS Southport and Formby Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG), told the ECHO: “If your GP feels that a face-to-face appointment is required, this will be arranged for you and you will be seen by a GP or another appropriate member of clinical staff, which has been the case right the way through the pandemic.
"There are also pre-bookable appointments at evenings and weekends for those who need them. Simply ask at your practice for details."
GP practices were already very busy before the pandemic and the coronavirus crisis has created additional pressures.
Dr Pete Chamberlain, local GP and chair at NHS South Sefton CCG, said: “GP practices are seeing a rise in demand which is higher than levels you would expect to see much later in the year during the traditionally busy winter period.
"We are working hard to treat patients as soon as we can and we ask for your patience while we do that.
“Most practices are still using a telephone first system to help manage the rising number of contacts, or asking patients to use their online service if possible, to ensure everyone gets the most appropriate support for their needs.
“As well as GPs and practice nurses, there are other health professionals like pharmacists, physiotherapists and social prescribers working to support our patients.
"Our receptionists’ role is to assign the right health professional for you, so they may need to ask some questions about your condition. They will treat your information in the same strict confidence that medical professionals do.
“This way of working is essential to helping us continue to provide our service, including seeing patients whose condition means they need to be seen by a GP.
“We’d like to thank all our patients for working with us throughout the pandemic and for still wearing face-coverings, following social distancing rules and for their continued kindness and support when using our services.”
The latest national GP patient survey that took place in March 2021 showed that over 80% of Sefton residents who took part, said their overall experience of their GP was good, and in some areas was above the national average.
In addition, around 80% said they were satisfied with the appointment offered to them and over 95% said they had confidence and trust in their healthcare professional.
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