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UNITED KINGDOM / UK / NHS / GPs / CONSULTANTS AS of JAN 2026
Patients with mobility issues frequently report feeling failed by their GP practices, often citing difficulties in securing in-person appointments, lack of home visits, and a failure to listen to concerns regarding worsening mobility.
These issues are often compounded by systemic pressures, such as high demand, reduced staff, and difficulties accessing specialist services.
Common Ways Mobility Patients Feel Failed by GPs
REFERRED to Ai ONLINE systems to access care, appointments.
Difficulty Accessing Care: Patients with limited mobility face barriers to accessing appointments, including a reliance on remote consultations when a physical examination is necessary.
REFERRALS to ie WHEELCHAIR and other MOBILITY services.. suggestions to patients, TALKING to them and identifying their needs..
READING and noting when a patient sends an ie EMAIL /CORRSPONDENCE as to their views on THEIR HEALTH AND WELL BEING their concerns and helping them to get the resources available..
Lack of Home Visits: Patients have reported that GPs often refuse home visits, forcing those with severe mobility issues to travel to the surgery. OR
TO USE THE ACCIDENT & EMERGENCY OUTPATIENTS including where applicable to use EMERGENCY AMBULANCE et that can leave the patient stranded without the means to get home afterwards.. for ie more ambulant patients.
4 HOUR NON EMERGENCY AMBULANCE booking by the GP.. based on their assessment re YOUR health and well being which can leave a seriously ill patient waiting around for HOURS for an ambulance.. getting to the A and E dept with a wait of over 4 hours and 2 HOURS stuck on a ‘trolley’ IN THE CORRIDOR waiting admission to a ward.
GASLIGHTING
Not Being Listened To: Patients frequently report feeling "fobbed off" or that their worsening conditions are not taken seriously, leading to delays in diagnosis and treatment.
ONE of MY FAVOURTES re GPs CONSULTANTS et THEY TALK AT YOU and NOT TO YOU.. SELDOM LISTEN. ??
Missed Diagnoses: In some cases, failures to properly investigate mobility issues (e.g., fractured bones) have led to long-term, irreversible mobility loss.
Poor Communication & Coordination: Reports suggest a lack of coordination between GPs and hospitals, with inaccurate record-keeping contributing to a loss of trust.
Inaccessible Facilities:
Some patients reported that surgeries billed as "accessible" still had physical barriers (e.g., heavy doors, lack of lifts) for wheelchair users.
Systemic Causes of Failures
EXCUSES EXCUSES..
Overwhelming Demand: GPs are facing unprecedented workloads and high patient demand, which is eroding the patient-doctor relationship.
GP Staffing Shortages: The number of GP partners has fallen significantly, leading to increased burnout and less time for comprehensive care.
Reduced Continuity of Care: The rise of private, remote, and large-scale management of surgeries has been associated with a lack of consistent care for complex cases.
What Patients Can Do When Facing Mobility Support Failures
Ask for an Advocate: If you struggle to get an appointment, ask for a family member or carer to advocate on your behalf.
Contact the Practice Manager: If a GP is unhelpful, escalate your concerns to the practice manager.
Use Feedback and Complaints: If the issue is not resolved, contact the local Integrated Care Board (ICB) for complaints about primary care services.
Self-Refer to Physiotherapy: In some areas, you can self-refer to physiotherapy services without a GP appointment.
Request a Second Opinion: Patients have the right to ask to be referred for a second opinion from another GP or specialist.
Check Accessibility Rights: Under the Equality Act 2010, GP surgeries must make "reasonable adjustments" for disabled people.
If you feel the care provided has fallen below the expected standard, you may be able to pursue a complaint of negligence.
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