Wessex LMCs Podcasts Talking General Practice: Dr Andy Purbrick on GP Pressures and a Live Question to Wes Streeting
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Jan 22, 2026 
Dr. Andy Purbrick, Joint Chief Executive of Wessex Local Medical Committees and an experienced GP, discusses the rising pressures in general practice, highlighting that capacity, not access, is the real issue. He reveals the long hours and administrative burdens doctors face daily. Health Secretary Wes Streeting addresses regional NHS challenges, including ambulance response times and waiting lists. The conversation underscores the need for a focus on GP recruitment and retention, as well as modernizing access to care, while emphasizing the importance of honest public dialogue on healthcare funding.
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Capacity, Not Access, Is The Core Problem
- Rising GP workload is outpacing available workforce, creating capacity not access problems.
- Dr Andy Purbrick argues increasing appointment routes without staff to meet demand worsens reactive care.
Match Access With Staffing Levels
- Limit uncontrolled online access unless staffing increases to handle demand.
- Otherwise shift resources away from phone and face-to-face slots to manage finite capacity safely.
A GP's Long, Fragmented Workday
- Dr Andy Purbrick describes a typical 11–12 hour clinical day with morning and afternoon surgeries and house visits.
- He details supervising additional roles, handling tests, referrals, and administrative tasks between clinics.