New figures have revealed the critical role that pharmacies and GP practices have played in supporting the NHS during the busiest period in its history.

With the health service experiencing record demand in recent weeks, thousands of people across North Wales have turned to their local pharmacies and GP practices to access care.

NHS leaders have thanked the North Wales public for playing their part by choosing the most appropriate ways to access care, protecting a health service which has been at ‘breaking point’ in recent weeks.

Community pharmacies in North Wales reported a 345 per cent increase in the number of people seeking emergency medicines during December 2022, compared to the same period in 2021, with 3,229 consultations carried out.

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Consultations under the community pharmacy Common Ailments Service also increased by 177 per cent during the same period, with 6,278 benefitting from the scheme.

Meanwhile, the number of consultations carried out under the Independent Prescribing Service increased by 300 per cent, with 1,799 people supported. 

GP Practices across the region have also played their part in meeting a record demand for care.

Statistics from the British Medical Association reveal that more patients are being seen in General Practice than at any time before the COVID pandemic, despite declining GP numbers, rising demand, and struggles to recruit and retain staff.

Dr Sara Bodey, a GP Partner at Bryn Darland Surgery, Coedpoeth, and Chair of the North Wales Local Medical Committee of General Practitioners, said: “Many GP Practices saw a threefold increase in the number of urgent same day requests from patients in December, but even before this, UK wide data suggested general practice was working at 20 per cent increased activity.

“It’s demoralising to see comments from the public criticising GPs, because we’re supporting more patients than ever before and colleagues are going above and beyond.

“Recent weeks have probably been the worst in my 19 years of working as a GP in terms of pressure and workload and the general practice workforce is beyond exhausted.

"We still love what we do - that’s why we’re still here and haven’t left, but it is becoming harder to maintain this enthusiasm in the face of the unrelenting pressures.”

Karen Higgins, BCUHB’s Director of Primary Care, has paid tribute to primary care staff for their tireless work, while thanking the North Wales public for their ongoing support.

“This remains an exceptionally challenging time for colleagues across our health services, particularly in primary care,” she said.

“We’re hugely grateful for the continued efforts being made by staff in pharmacies and GP surgeries in such difficult circumstances.

“We also owe a huge debt of gratitude to the North Wales public for choosing the most appropriate NHS services during this very challenging period.

“This has helped to reduce unnecessary attendances at our Emergency Departments, which have been at breaking point at times in recent weeks."

For further information on local health services, please visit the BCUHB website.