The lack of regular GP visits to care homes has been described as a 'silent scandal', with frail and vulnerable residents often missing out on basic healthcare. A 2012 Care Quality Commission review found that most care homes were not receiving regular GP visits, and the situation is believed to have worsened since.
Care home residents are among the most vulnerable in society, many living with complex conditions such as dementia, heart disease and diabetes, and taking an average of nine medications each. Yet their access to primary care has diminished as GPs, struggling with demand, focus on patients who can attend surgeries.
Some care homes have resorted to paying retainers—sometimes over £20,000 a year—to secure GP visits. This has prompted organisations like Care England and Age UK to raise the alarm, but the issue has largely gone unnoticed due to the frailty and short life expectancy of residents.
However, the financial impact on the NHS is driving change. Care home residents are 50% more likely to be admitted to hospital as an emergency, costing the health service significantly. NHS England is piloting six vanguard programmes that aim to integrate GPs, specialist nurses and hospital consultants into care homes, including regular ward rounds and digital consultations.
GPs are calling for care home responsibilities to become a distinct part of their contract, which would require extra investment. While some may criticise this, many see it as a necessary step to address a long-neglected problem.
