GP Recruitment up

One of the biggest problems facing the NHS in Cumbria is the shortage of doctors in general and the shortage of GPs is a particularly critical part of that problem. So I was delighted to learn that figures released by Health Education England today show a third record-breaking year for GP trainee recruitment in England – ensuring a pipeline of talent for the future.

The number of doctors entering training is up a record 15 per cent compared to this same point last year, meaning the NHS is on track to beat this year's target of recruiting 3,500 doctors in training to general practice.    The government has committed to grow the workforce by 6,000 more doctors, as well as thousands more physiotherapists, pharmacists and other highly skilled practitioners, to deliver an extra 50 million appointments a year. They have also committed at least an additional £1.5 billion in cash terms for general practice over the next 4 years to boost these efforts.    Boosting the workforce will mean bigger teams of medical staff providing a wider range of care options for patients, free up more time to focus on those with more complex needs and ensure patients get the best quality care.