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16/09/2003
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)
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)
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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.
26 March 2007
'Postcode lottery' remains in NHS dental care
There are "huge regional variations" in NHS dental care in England, consumer organisation Which? has warned in new research. The survey of 466 dentistry practices - which comes a year after the start of new NHS dentists' contract in England - found that just over a third (36%) are taking on any new NHS patients.
'Postcode lottery' remains in NHS dental care
There are "huge regional variations" in NHS dental care in England, consumer organisation Which? has warned in new research. The survey of 466 dentistry practices - which comes a year after the start of new NHS dentists' contract in England - found that just over a third (36%) are taking on any new NHS patients.
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.
16 October 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.
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.
09 October 2003
Reid calls for 'greater convenience' in seeing GPs
Health Secretary John Reid has today repeated his commitment to "ensuring greater convenience" for patients in booking an appointment with their GP. Speaking to the NHS Alliance in his first primary care speech Mr Reid told delegates that patients now have better access to a GP than ever before but can often feel that this is not the case.
Reid calls for 'greater convenience' in seeing GPs
Health Secretary John Reid has today repeated his commitment to "ensuring greater convenience" for patients in booking an appointment with their GP. Speaking to the NHS Alliance in his first primary care speech Mr Reid told delegates that patients now have better access to a GP than ever before but can often feel that this is not the case.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:After a dry start this morning rain will spread from the northwest across all parts. This afternoon will be dull with some patchy rain and drizzle. Becoming much milder through the afternoon. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:A cloudy evening and night with a little light rain or drizzle, perhaps some clear periods developing along the east coast. A very mild night everywhere. Minimum temperature 10 °C.
