YOUR article rightly highlights the incredible pressures that are threatening to completely overwhelm GP services in Dorset and Bournemouth (Echo investigation reveals scale of GP crisis across Dorset (Friday, September 16).

The BMA has been warning the government for years that a failure to properly fund general practice is hitting the services patients are getting.

GPs are working harder than ever before to deliver more appointments to patients, but they simply do not have the staff or resources to keep pace with demand, especially from an ageing population that needs more time and intensive care.

Politicians need to fulfil their promises to address the crisis in general practice so that GPs, nurses and other healthcare professionals are given the ability to deliver the service that the public deserves.

Dr Mark Sanford-Wood

BMA GP committee executive team member