Many GPs now have less than 12 minutes to spend with their patients during consultations as a result of increasing workloads, a new survey has revealed.

According to the findings, almost two in three GPs see at least 15 patients in an average clinic session, while one in five sees more than 20. As a result, patient consultation times have reduced, with almost half of GPs now having an average of less than 12 minutes with each of their patients.

The survey of 660 GPs, which was carried out on behalf of the National Association of General Practitioners (NAGP) earlier this month, found that at least eight in 10 GPs believe their mental health has suffered as a result of worsening working conditions. Almost half said they are working more than 50 hours per week, while around one in five are working more than 60 hours per week.

The survey also found that the vast majority feel that consultation times with patients will be further shortened if free GP care for children under the age of six is introduced.

However, GPs are largely in favour of free GP care that is based on clinical need rather than age.

"These figures show how much pressure general practice is under at the moment. The cuts that have been imposed on the sector have meant that many practices have lost support staff like practice nurses. As a result, GPs are seeing more and more patients themselves. The whole situation is having a serious effect on patient consultation times and on GPs personally," commented NAGP president, Dr Conor McGee.

Meanwhile according to NAGP CEO, Chris Goody, at least 90% of all day-to-day patient interactions take place in general practice, yet ‘the vast majroity of funding continues to be ploughed into the hospital system'.

"Unless additional resources are put in place immediately, the effects will be catastrophic. Investing in general practice will not only safeguard the high-quality service that the sector is renowned for, but will also have significant cost-saving effects for the health sector in general," he said.

The survey was carried out between between November 7 and 12 by Gorilla Survey.