Currently in Britain's NHS, almost all first visits to a GP practice consist of contact ONLY with a PA/RN, who takes a history, performs an examination, and prescribes medication. Seeing a physician is the exception rather than the rule. And referrals to a specialist require a wait of on average 6 months.
>One in three GPs in England do not work in NHS, says BMJ study
https://www.theguardian.com/society/2025/sep/17/one-in-three...
>Four in 10 GPs see themselves leaving UK general practice within five years
https://www.pulsetoday.co.uk/news/special-investigations/the...
>Doctors warn hospitals under pressure as NHS waiting lists rise
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c3dr52l1j3yo
>The latest monthly data also showed the number facing very long waits to start routine treatment had increased.
>There were 1,429 patients waiting more than 18 months in July, up from 1,103 in June, though down sharply compared to last year.