The Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) is arguing that despite GPs being highly trained to care for patients with asthma, they need more investment to meet demand.
Dr Maureen Baker, Chair of the RCGP, said, ‘Asthma is a distressing condition that affects millions of people across the UK, and patients should be reassured that in the majority of cases, it is managed well as GPs are highly trained to identify symptoms, prescribe appropriately and monitor treatment.
‘We are concerned that some patients with asthma are finding it difficult to get an appointment with their GP practice but demand for family doctor services has rocketed, while investment and GP numbers have not kept pace.
‘“It is vital that the pledges made in it are implemented as a matter of urgency so we can recruit, retain and return as many GPs across the UK to ensure we can continue to deliver the care our patients – particularly those with long-term conditions such as asthma – need and deserve.
To support GPs and trainees in improving their skills in caring for patients with asthma, the RCGP has produced a free online training course, developed in partnership with the Primary Care Respiratory Society and Education for Health.
