Fri, 11 Apr 2025

Fri, 11 Apr 2025 GP's fears for patients over benefits changes

People are "terrified" about the impact of changes to the system, Sheffield GP Maria Read warns.
A GP in Sheffield has warned that the cost of living crisis is having a devastating impact on people's health, with anxiety and depression on the rise as they struggle to cope with increasing bills and benefit changes. Dr Maria Read said she expects a "flood" of patients seeking help and support as the new benefit system comes into effect, which will make it harder for people with chronic conditions to access the benefits they need. The government's plans to cut welfare spending have been criticized by Dr Read, who says that the changes will disproportionately affect vulnerable communities. She claims that people are being "crippled" by the benefit changes and that anxiety levels are "huge", making it difficult for them to work. Dr Read notes that her area is particularly affected, with many residents experiencing multiple long-term conditions from a young age. She says that GPs like herself often rely on voluntary organizations to provide support, but these services will be stretched even further by the expected influx of patients. The Department for Work and Pensions has responded to Dr Read's concerns, saying that the social security system is in place to help those with severe health conditions and that a new premium is being introduced to support people who cannot work. However, critics argue that this will not be enough to mitigate the impact of the benefit changes.
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