The report concluded that the challenges faced by patients have resulted in delayed care, reduced confidence in the GP system, and a notable shift in patient behaviour towards out-of-hours services, emergency departments, and private healthcare.
It said that as a result, many patients have reported deterioration of conditions, prolonged illness, challenges in managing chronic disease, delays in obtaining test results and difficulties accessing medication reviews.
The DoH said it welcomed the PAC report and it would “consider the committee’s findings and recommendations fully”.
A statement from the department added: “There is full agreement on the need for a new vision for primary care and new models of delivery that will meet the need for improved and more equitable access.”
The British Medical Association, the trade union representing GPs, said the report highlights “the urgent need for strategic action by the Department of Health to stabilise a sector in crisis”.
“The current access proposals from the Department are harming patient access, not working and will not have the outcome for patients they hope for,” Dr Frances O’Hagan said.