NHS experiencing first sustained drop in GP numbers in 50 years
- 17.05.2019
- JessicaMG
- Clinical-negligence, Clinical-negligence
Nuffield Trust think tank recently carried out an analysis looking at the number of GPs working in the NHS - both full and part-time - per 100,000 people across the UK. Their findings reveal the number of GPs has dropped from 65 in every 100,000 in 2014, to around 60 last year.
The last time that the UK saw GP numbers fall like this was during the 1960s, after which came four decades of almost continuous growth with a peak in 2009 at 66.5 GPs per 100,000 people. Between 2010 and 2014 there was little change, however the UK has now seen four years of consecutive falls – the largest of which being seen in England.
The drop in GP numbers comes at a time when the UK population is aging and demands on GPs are at an all-time high. Unfortunately, this appears to be adversely affecting wait times for appointments across the UK.
Patients have reported long waits - up to seven weeks - for routine appointments, while others say that the only way to secure an urgent appointment is to queue outside practices from the early morning.
NHS bosses have stressed, however, that they are attempting to improve access through increased training of GPs, as well as the recruitment of extra support staff.
The BBC is currently looking into the pressures on GPs in the UK, with a Panorama investigation forming part of the organisations recent special day of coverage on the matter.
Sophie Birch, Clinical Negligence Solicitor here at Potter Rees Dolan, comments:
We all know too well how difficult it can be to arrange a prompt GP appointment so it is concerning to see that the number of GPs working in the NHS is falling. A long wait for an appointment with a GP could lead to a delay in diagnosing an illness or the worsening of a condition, which is worrying for patients and their families. I hope that the NHS are successful in their attempts to improve access to GPs before the numbers drop further and the burden on the service increases leading to potentially longer waiting times.
Sophie Birch is a clinical negligence solicitor at Potter Rees Dolan. Should you have any queries about clinical negligence due or indeed any other aspect of this article and wish to speak to Sophie or any other member of the team please contact us on 0161 237 5888 or email Sophie directly.