Patients waited more than a week to see their GP on almost 50?million occasions last year, according to figures that illustrate the delays people face when accessing basic NHS care.
An analysis by the Royal College of GPs found that 47?million GP appointments in 2013 – one in six of all consultations – involved a wait of at least seven days to see a doctor or nurse.
In 2012, the figure was 40?million – suggesting a rise of 17 per cent, year on year. If the trend continues, projections suggest that next year 57?million GP appointments will involve a wait of a week or more....
