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Bradford featured in Dr Amir-fronted look at access to GPs in TV documentary

Dr Amir Khan during filming for his new ITV Tonight documentary <i>(Image: Sally Ogden)</i>
Dr Amir Khan during filming for his new ITV Tonight documentary (Image: Sally Ogden)

A NATIONAL TV documentary looking at people’s access to their GP will include a number of Bradford links.

When Can I See My GP?, a programme forming part of the regular Tonight series on ITV1, will look at patients who are struggling to get an appointment with their doctor, despite the GPs working harder than ever.

With pressures on the NHS and medical professionals at an all-time high this winter, Dr Amir Khan will look at the impact this is having on the NHS and what the solution could be.

The programme will be broadcast on ITV1 on Thursday, January 12 at 8.30pm.

Footage for the documentary was also filmed at Ridge Medical Practice in Great Horton where Dr Amir is based, 12 months on from the last time Tonight cameras went into the surgery.

 

It shows the demand for GPs’ appointments and the impact it has on practice staff.

A Ridge Medical Practice staff member is shown on a call, saying: “I know the phone lines are really busy.

“But being abusive and swearing it's really not helping. Because then we end up terminating the call.”

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Dr Amir Khan with documentary crew members during filming at Tong Garden Centre
Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Dr Amir Khan with documentary crew members during filming at Tong Garden Centre

Dr Amir Khan with documentary crew members during filming at Tong Garden Centre (Image: Tong Garden Centre)

Ridge’s reception manager adds that demand for appointments to see a doctor at the surgery are still extremely high.

Dr Amir speaks to other people in Bradford for the documentary about their experiences of trying to get a GPs’ appointment. One says: “I don't want to discredit the NHS because I think it's a fantastic thing, but I just couldn't get in to see anybody, so I went private.”

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Dr Amir Khan interviews Wes Streeting, shadow health secretary, for the programme
Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Dr Amir Khan interviews Wes Streeting, shadow health secretary, for the programme

Dr Amir Khan interviews Wes Streeting, shadow health secretary, for the programme (Image: Sally Ogden)

The programme also included filming taking place at Tong Garden Centre last month.

Tong Garden Centre posted on its Facebook page last month: “We’re delighted to have welcomed Dr Amir Khan and the ITV team to Tong Garden Centre today.

“After enjoying some delicious lunch at The Mezzanine, the team took to the shop floor to ask our customers some questions about their local GP.”

There is also a further district link as Bradford-based Sally Ogden is the programme’s producer and director.

The documentary also includes interviews with people who have struggled to get face-to-face appointments with GPs and some of the heart-breaking consequences it can have for people’s health.

Dr Amir talks about the struggles GPs are having. He said: “I have worked in the NHS for 20 years now, and I have never known it like this, never.”

Other interviewees include Wes Streeting, the shadow health secretary, and the Department of Health also provides a statement to Tonight.

 

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