10 June 2011

Health Reforms Prompt GPs Into Retirement, Finds Survey  

Over half of GPs planning to retire in the next two years say NHS reforms are a reason for them going, according to preliminary findings from a major BMA survey published ahead of the start of the annual GP conference of Local Medical Committees (LMCs).

  The BMA survey, which asked GPs about their working practices as well as a range of questions relating to current government health policy, was sent to every GP in the UK in April. Over 18,000 GPs responded, a response rate of 39%2, making it the most significant survey of GPs in recent years and indicating the strength of feeling among them about the issues in question.  

After age, NHS reform was the second commonest reason for GPs planning to retire in the next two years (71% and 56% respectively). If these results were extrapolated the survey suggests that in the next two years, approximately 6,700 GPs across the UK plan to retire, of whom approximately 3,700 would say that NHS reforms were a factor in their decision.

  Furthermore, approximately 1,345 family doctors plan to leave general practice, not because of age but at least in part because of NHS reforms.  

Other key findings from the survey include:

On average respondents believe it is important for other professional groups to be involved in consortia, with hospital consultants and public health doctors the most important and local councillors the least important
Three-quarters of GPs (76%) do not believe consortia should be paid performance-related bonuses (often referred to as the ‘quality premium’) for commissioning
Approximately seven in ten are concerned about the potential conflicts of interest within the Health Bill, both for the impact this could have on their relationship with patients and because of their role as commissioners as well as providers (69% and 70% respectively)
Approximately two thirds do not think consortia will be appropriately skilled or supported (66% and 71% respectively) to run the NHS effectively

Speaking ahead of the LMC conference Dr Laurence Buckman, Chairman of the BMA’s GPs Committee, said: “These results show that GPs have significant concerns about the government’s NHS reform plans as they stand. From talking to GPs we know that they see potential in the principle of clinically-led commissioning, but there need to be major changes made to the Bill if the government is to reassure GPs.”

Dr Buckman concluded: “We have two days of debate ahead of us, much of it on health reform. This survey is proof of the strength of feeling out there and the government must listen to the concerns expressed by doctors.”

(BMcN/KMcA)