How has the COVID-19 pandemic impacted primary care?

• In total, 31 million* fewer primary care appointments were booked between April 2020 and March 2021 compared to the previous 12 months – a fall from 310 million to 279 million.   
• The fall in primary care appointments was most pronounced in April and May 2020. These months account for 16 million of the 31 million fewer appointments.  
• The largest fall in primary care appointments was in the Midlands with a 10% drop between April 2020 and March 2021 compared to the previous 12 months – this represents 5.6 million fewer appointments. 

*Note: The total figure of 31 million is based on NHS Digital estimated total appointments, which is an estimated total if all practices that submitted data (a small percentage don’t submit or submit late). The region level data in the table shows the actual numbers for those practices that submitted data.

2. By September 2020 total consultations in general practice had recovered to pre-pandemic levels and March 2021 saw the total number of appointments exceed those seen in March 2019 and the highest recorded number of appointments with a GP

• 28.5 million primary care appointments took place in March 2021 – nearly 4 million more than March 2020 and 2 million more than March 2019.

• In March 2021 there were 14.7 million appointments with a GP. This compares with 12.8 million in March 2020 and 13.6 million in March 2019, and is the highest number of appointments with GPs per month since records began in November 2017.

• Pre-pandemic, general practice in England was struggling with increasing workload and longstanding workforce shortages. Under-met need during COVID lockdowns, new illness (including mental ill health) resulting from the pandemic, and record hospital waiting lists are all likely to increase pressure on general practice further in the months ahead.

3. The way that appointments take place has shifted, with the highest ever number of telephone appointments taking place in March 2021

• 15.8 million face to face appointments took place in March 2021 –  similar to March 2020, but nearly 5 million fewer than March 2019.  
• March 2021 saw the highest ever number of telephone appointments with 11.4 million compared to 6.6 million in March 2020 and 3.5 million in March 2019. 
• The switch to telephone consulting was a necessary response to the need to reduce COVID spread. It required significant agility from general practice teams. Further agility will be required to evolve the blend of face-to-face and telephone appointments to meet patient needs and adapt to ever-changing circumstances.