Menu
16/10/2003
Increase in GP vacancies a 'worrying trend': BMA
Family doctor leaders in the British Medical Association have described today's announcement of an increase in GP vacancies as a "very worrying trend".
Government figures for England and Wales show there have been more vacancies in GP practices in the past year and they were harder to fill. More than two thirds (67%) of the posts were unfilled for over six months, with all the consequential effects for patients and hard-pressed primary care staff, the BMA said.
Dr John Chisholm, chairman of the BMA's GPs committee, said: "We are not surprised by this increased vacancy rate of 3.4% in England. Indeed it matches the findings of our own GP vacancy rate survey published earlier this year. The upwards trend is a matter of great concern."
Where vacancies were filled, the largest single source of family doctors was GPs working elsewhere in the NHS (173 posts filled). The next largest source was locum doctors (155 posts). Newly qualified GPs accounted for 109 posts filled.
Dr Chisholm said: "We are aware that more doctors are being trained and this is welcome news, but many of them wish to work part time in general practice. Similarly the attempts to bring qualified doctors back into the profession are helpful, but you cannot equate a doctor wishing to work a few sessions a week with a retiring full time GP."
However, the government has said that it remains on target to meet its commitment of recruiting 2000 more GPs by March next year.
Health Minister John Hutton said that, despite the increase in vacancy rates, there were more GPs in the NHS than ever before. He added that the figures should be seen in the context of the large increases in GP numbers, which do show that practices are recruiting.
Mr Hutton said: "There are now more GPs working in the NHS than ever before. Between September 2002 and June 2003 the number of GPs increased by 800. This is a total increase of 1535 since 1999. This puts us on course to deliver the NHS Plan target of recruiting 2000 more GPs by March next year.
"We are not complacent. We will continue to take action to ensure there are more GPs delivering high quality services in our communities."
(gmcg)
Government figures for England and Wales show there have been more vacancies in GP practices in the past year and they were harder to fill. More than two thirds (67%) of the posts were unfilled for over six months, with all the consequential effects for patients and hard-pressed primary care staff, the BMA said.
Dr John Chisholm, chairman of the BMA's GPs committee, said: "We are not surprised by this increased vacancy rate of 3.4% in England. Indeed it matches the findings of our own GP vacancy rate survey published earlier this year. The upwards trend is a matter of great concern."
Where vacancies were filled, the largest single source of family doctors was GPs working elsewhere in the NHS (173 posts filled). The next largest source was locum doctors (155 posts). Newly qualified GPs accounted for 109 posts filled.
Dr Chisholm said: "We are aware that more doctors are being trained and this is welcome news, but many of them wish to work part time in general practice. Similarly the attempts to bring qualified doctors back into the profession are helpful, but you cannot equate a doctor wishing to work a few sessions a week with a retiring full time GP."
However, the government has said that it remains on target to meet its commitment of recruiting 2000 more GPs by March next year.
Health Minister John Hutton said that, despite the increase in vacancy rates, there were more GPs in the NHS than ever before. He added that the figures should be seen in the context of the large increases in GP numbers, which do show that practices are recruiting.
Mr Hutton said: "There are now more GPs working in the NHS than ever before. Between September 2002 and June 2003 the number of GPs increased by 800. This is a total increase of 1535 since 1999. This puts us on course to deliver the NHS Plan target of recruiting 2000 more GPs by March next year.
"We are not complacent. We will continue to take action to ensure there are more GPs delivering high quality services in our communities."
(gmcg)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
19 January 2005
NAO delivers report on NHS choice target
The National Audit Office (NAO) has reported "significant risks" in struggling plans to meet targets to deliver a choice of four or five hosptials to NHS patients by the end of 2005.
NAO delivers report on NHS choice target
The National Audit Office (NAO) has reported "significant risks" in struggling plans to meet targets to deliver a choice of four or five hosptials to NHS patients by the end of 2005.
23 April 2004
NHS hits GP recruitment target early, claims government
The government claimed that the NHS has hit its GP recruitment target three months ahead of schedule, according to figures published today. GP numbers have increased by 2,131 since 1999, exceeding the NHS Plan target for 2,000 more GPs by March 2004, the government reported. There are now 30,598 GPs working in the NHS.
NHS hits GP recruitment target early, claims government
The government claimed that the NHS has hit its GP recruitment target three months ahead of schedule, according to figures published today. GP numbers have increased by 2,131 since 1999, exceeding the NHS Plan target for 2,000 more GPs by March 2004, the government reported. There are now 30,598 GPs working in the NHS.
31 July 2008
NHS 'Failing' On Prompt Access To GP's, Report Says
The NHS in England is failing to meet Government targets for giving people prompt access to GPs, a Healthcare Commission survey has revealed. It finds 13% of patients cannot get an appointment to see a family doctor within 48 hours, in breach of undertakings given by Ministers four years ago.
NHS 'Failing' On Prompt Access To GP's, Report Says
The NHS in England is failing to meet Government targets for giving people prompt access to GPs, a Healthcare Commission survey has revealed. It finds 13% of patients cannot get an appointment to see a family doctor within 48 hours, in breach of undertakings given by Ministers four years ago.
31 October 2007
GPs Now Paid £110K
GPs are now enjoying the benefits of the protracted national pay negotiations that led a settlement in 2003/2004. The average family doctor’s pay in the UK rose by 10% to £110,000 in just 12 months, according to latest figures. The data from the NHS Information Centre is for the year 2005-6 - the second year of the new GP contract.
GPs Now Paid £110K
GPs are now enjoying the benefits of the protracted national pay negotiations that led a settlement in 2003/2004. The average family doctor’s pay in the UK rose by 10% to £110,000 in just 12 months, according to latest figures. The data from the NHS Information Centre is for the year 2005-6 - the second year of the new GP contract.
14 May 2004
Overseas visitors set to pay for GP services
GPs will be given new powers to charge overseas visitors for their services under new proposals announced today by Health Minister John Hutton. In a consultation paper published today, the Department of Health sets out proposals to establish new criteria for determining who will be eligible to receive free NHS primary care services.
Overseas visitors set to pay for GP services
GPs will be given new powers to charge overseas visitors for their services under new proposals announced today by Health Minister John Hutton. In a consultation paper published today, the Department of Health sets out proposals to establish new criteria for determining who will be eligible to receive free NHS primary care services.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:Showers will gradually die out during the evening. A cold night with long clear spells leading to a touch of frost in places. Light winds. Minimum temperature 0 °C.
