More Brits are falling critically ill because GPs and pharmacies are overwhelmed, A&E bosses warn [Video]

AMBULANCE and A&E bosses warn more patients are falling critically ill because they fail to get help from their GP.

Health chiefs are preparing for a “tough winter” with added strain because frontline family doctors and pharmacies are overwhelmed.

They say work-to-rule protests by GPs in the British Medical Association could add to their woes.

And seven out of 10 think they will fail to deliver Labour’s plan to cut the waiting list backlog.

Most have already spent the £22billion cash boost from the Budget, they said.

Saffron Cordery, deputy chief of NHS Providers, which represents hospital bosses, said: “The NHS has had its busiest ever summer and won’t get a moment’s respite in winter.”

If general practice is to survive it needs to be properly resourced

Dr David WrigleyBritish Medical Association

Casualty visits and ambulance calls are already at near-record …