16 September 2003

Health department claims GP recruitment is 'on target'

The government has claimed that the NHS is on target to reach its goal of recruiting 2,000 more GPs by March 2004.

According to new figures released today by the Department of Health, a mini-census of GP numbers shows that between March and June 2003 a further 290 GPs were recruited bringing the total number recruited since 1999 to 1,530. This brings the total GP growth rate to 5.4%.

Welcoming the figures Health Minister John Hutton said: "This is excellent news for patients. GPs are the front line of the NHS and we are determined to ensure patients faster and more convenient access to them. If the growth in GP numbers continues at this rate, the NHS Plan target can be achieved giving patients an improved service.

"The NHS is gearing up to go beyond the NHS Plan target. Primary Care Trusts and Strategic Health Authorities have submitted Local Delivery Plans which forecast further increases between March 2004 and March 2006."

A number of initiatives have been developed to improve GP recruitment and retention. These include: the Flexible Careers Scheme; the GP Returner Scheme; and Delayed Retirement Scheme.

(gmcg)