Family doctors are preparing to debate staff shortages,funding constraints and a demoralising inspection regime
Family doctors from around the country are gathering on Saturday for a special conference to discuss the urgent crisis facing GP practices.
GPs’ ever increasing workloads – not helped by the denigration of the profession by media and politicians – is bringing approximately a recruitment and retention timebomb. Trainee numbers are dwindling and young GPs are moving abroad in their droves. We now have a unsafe situation where there are hundreds of vacancies for GP trainees. Meanwhile, one in three GPs relate the British Medical Association they are considering retiring early and practices report they are struggling to meet demand for appointments. The NHS has the most stressed GPs by western standards, and as a result of relentless workloads,endless bureaucracy and the shortest amount of time spent with patients. Continue reading...
Source: theguardian.com