According to the general practitioners’ federation Domus Medica half of all GP practices in Flanders have stopped taking on new patients. The federation’s Chairwoman Maaike Van Overloop told the VRT’s consumer affairs team ‘WinWin’ that if your GP stops work, for example because they are retiring it is best “Put yourself on several waiting lists” in order to ensure that your find a new GP.
What if your doctor retires? Some GP practices have stopped taking on new patients
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Suzy De Wolf contacted WinWin to tell them about the difficulties she had trying to find a new GP after her previous doctor retired. Suzy De Wolf lives in Stekene (East Flanders) and her previous GP retired late last year. “Most of the GPs in Stekene have stopped taking on new patients, so what should I do now?”. Another, listener to WinWin’s radio programme on VRT Radio 2, Sharon Boucké says that “Finding a GP is an impossible task”.
The Chair of the GP’s federation Domus Medica Maaike Van Overloop recognises that there is an issue. "The principal of freedom of choice when it comes to choosing a general practitioner in under threat in many places. We don't have the full figures at our disposal, but we estimate that 1 in 2 GP practices in Belgium are not taking on any new patients”.
However, the picture varies for area to area. In some areas no GP practices are taking on new patients, while in other areas all practices are still doing so.
No childcare, no GP?
But why is it so difficult to find a new GP in certain areas of our region? Domus Medica says that the issue is worse in rural areas as many GPs prefer to work in towns or cities. The availability of childcare can often form an obstacle too.
Having an assigned GP has several advantages. The patient builds up a relationship of trust with their doctor. It is also financially advantageous as those that are registered with a particular doctor pay 4 euro (or 1 euro for those on the lowest incomes) rather than the standard 6 euro (or 1.50 euro) out of their own pocket for a consultation.
Some local authorities actively try and attract GP by offering grants if they decide to set up a practice there. For example, the West Flemish coastal municipality of Bredene offers cash to GPs that set up a practice, while neighbouring Ostend doesn’t.
“Keeping track on a patient’s comprehensive medical file is becoming more and more demanding with a growing number of patients struggling with mental health issues, there are also many chronically ill patients, GP also have to keep in touch with their patient’s work doctor or a specialist consultant when required", Maaike Van Overloop says.
Domus Medica advises the public to start looking for a new GP in plenty of time before their current doctor stops. It is also better to look for a new doctor in the summer than in the middle of the winter flu season.
“Get yourself put on one or more waiting lists right away, even if the practice is not currently accepting new patients. You can say that you wish to join the practice from a certain date. You shouldn’t wait until you fall ill as it will be much more difficult to arrange then.”
“GPs collaborate at neighbourhood level, but at there are also ‘General Practitioners’ Circles that cover a wider area with a population of around 150,000. They are obliged to ensure that everyone in their area has access to GP care one way or another”, Maaike Van Overloop told the VRT.