One in six GP surgeries in the UK have suspended non - emergency appointments because of staff shortages , according to a survey by Pulse magazine . During particularly busy periods , patients are asked over the phone to determine whether they are ill enough to see a doctor . Of the doctors surveyed , 16.5 % admitted to cancelling routine appointment in the last 12 months . But figures last week showed the NHS had lost 1,300 GPs since 2015 because more are leaving than are being recruited. Patients Association 's Rachel Power blamed long - term failure in case management ; the UK government pledged to recruit 500 more GPs by 2020 however the NHS has lost 1,300 doctors since 2015 with more leaving the profession than joining .
One in six GP surgeries in the UK have suspended non - emergency appointments because of staff shortages , according to a survey by Pulse magazine . During particularly busy periods , patients are asked over the phone to determine whether they are ill enough to see a doctor . Of the doctors surveyed , 16.5 % admitted to cancelling routine appointment in the last 12 months . Patients Association 's Rachel Power blamed long - term failure in case management ; the UK government pledged to recruit 500 more GPs by 2020 however the NHS has lost 1,300 doctors since 2015 with more leaving the profession than joining .