New figures show that Cheshire's GP practices conducted more than 1.3 million face-to-face appointments during 2020-21 despite the many challenges presented by the Coronavirus pandemic.

Between April 1st 2020 and March 31st 2021, GP practices across Cheshire also conducted 1.3 million telephone and video appointments, processed more than 52,000 referrals and issued more than 13 million prescriptions.

Sandbach GP Dr Andrew Wilson, Clinical Chair of NHS Cheshire Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG), said the figures showcase the breadth of work in primary care to support local people.

"There's no doubt that 2020-21 was a year like no other for everyone working in health and care," he said. "But despite the many, many challenges we have all faced, Cheshire's GP practices have worked hard to support local people with both COVID and non-COVID related health issues.

"As these statistics clearly show, Cheshire's GP practices have been extremely busy throughout the COVID-19 response – it's just that some of our services may look a bit different. We've introduced new ways of working such as telephone and video appointments to help keep people safe, while also leading the way on the county's COVID-19 and flu vaccination programmes."

Patients may now be asked to discuss your conditions over the phone or online first to assess what would be most appropriate in order to prevent the spread of Covid-19. However, face-to-face appointments are available to all patients in line with clinical need, the CCG said.

During the COVID-19 response, more than 100,000 Cheshire patients registered to access their records online and 43,000 registered for at least one online GP service, with more than 800,000 prescriptions ordered in this way.

Dr Wilson, a GP at Ashfields Primary Care Centre, added: "Many people have been quick to praise health and care staff for working 'tirelessly' throughout the Covid-19 response, however frontline staff are indeed very tired. Against this backdrop, health and care services – including GP practices – are now also experiencing heightened demand following the peak of the pandemic.

"Please remain patient with us as we work hard to provide the services and care that communities across Cheshire need. Thank you for your ongoing support."