Leading GPs from across Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire have issued an open letter to local people detailing the pressure currently affecting primary care services.

The letter, which has been signed by the CCG's three locality clinical leads, Dr Bryn Bird, Dr Amanda Webb and Dr Edd Rendell, offers an insight into the increasing demand being seen by frontline GPs and their teams.

Available to read in full on the CCG website, the open letter explains how staff absences, rising coronavirus cases and an increase in demand for urgent and emergency care has created the kind of pressure not usually seen outside of winter.

The GPs have also shared how practices are now working differently, with more consultations happening remotely, either by phone or video call.

These virtual appointments, they claim , which are happening alongside those carried out in person, allow clinicians to be more efficient with their time, while also helping to prevent overcrowding in practice waiting rooms.

Writing to local people, the three GPs said: "Our GP practices will always offer appointments, either face to face, or via remote consultation, with the health and care professional most appropriate for a patient's needs.

"We know that people have been hugely supportive of us throughout the pandemic, and we truly appreciate this, but it's important to remember that Covid-19 has not gone away, and we still need your help."

Dr Ruth Grabham, Medical Director, said: "As a clinician, I'm beginning to see more people coming down with non-covid-related conditions as the weather turns colder, but the good thing is that many minor illnesses can be safely managed at home through rest and by already having the recommended items in your medicine cabinet."

Click HERE : to read the doctors' open letter in full, and to find information on local health and care services.