02/10/2014

Over 500 GP Practices In England Could Be Forced To Close

Over 500 GP practices in England could be forced to close within the next year because of a crisis in GP recruitment and retention, which is leaving many practices unable to replace family doctors who are retiring from the profession.

New figures released by the Royal College of General Practitioners (RCPG) show that over 90% of the GPs working in these practices are now aged over 60.

Unless action is taken to make sure that there are enough doctors to take their place, thousands of patients could be forced to travel miles to their nearest GP practice or be left stranded with no family doctor at all.

The future of patient care will be sounded by Dr Maureen Baker, Chair of the RCGP in her speech to the College's national conference in Liverpool today.

Addressing an expected audience of over 2,000 GPs and health professionals, Dr Baker will warn that the crisis in the GP workforce is now so severe that the number of people entering the profession is falling drastically short of the number of GPs who are leaving in their droves to take early retirement, work abroad or pursue entirely different careers.

(CD/IT)

Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

09 October 2008
GP Pay Deal Proves 'Good For Patients'
A landmark pay deal negotiated by doctors has had the thumbs up from an important Government watchdog - but is also hedged with some doubts over 'productivity'.
26 July 2005
Disadvantaged areas to receive health cash boost
The government has announced plans to introduce a new £3.8 million scheme to improve health services in areas with the poorest access to primary care services.
30 September 2009
BMJ Backs Patient Survey
Increasing doctors' pay by analysis of patient satisfaction is a good method of providing incentives. The GP Patient Survey is a reliable and valid way of providing financial incentives to doctors, and there is little evidence to support concerns that it has led to unfair payments. That's according to new research published on bmj.com today.
14 January 2009
Most GP Surgeries Now Offering Extended Opening
Over two thirds of GP surgeries are now offering patients extended opening hours, the Department of Health has announced. Statistics released by the Department show that as at the end of December target deadline, more than 69% of the 8,262 GP practices in England are offering more flexible opening.
05 January 2009
Patients To Have Say On Improving GP Services
More than five million patients in England are being asked for their views on how to improve family doctor services in a new survey launched by the Government today. Results from the national survey will be used to drive changes to GP services and rewards for GPs who provide fast, convenient services.