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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)
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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.
