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The resolution of the Junior Doctor’s strike in September 2024 resulting in backdated pay increases, and the name change to “resident doctor”, shone a light on the increased responsibilities undertaken by General Practitioners (GPs) during this time.
It is estimated that between March and September 2024 when industrial action took place, there was a 44-day period of stoppages resulting in heightened demand for primary care support. The increased workload observed by GPs in this time has been compounded by a 5-year decrease in fully qualified GPs working in the NHS in the UK. The British Medical Association cited 37,677 individual headcount in July 2024, who are responsible for caring for 17% more patients than nine years ago – equating to roughly 1 permanent GP supporting 2,300 patients – according to BBC analysis.
These figures demonstrate clearly the need to ensure training and recruitment in the sector reflects the demand, in order to avoid risks to patients, and reducing the burden on NHS – particularly A&E departments where waiting times are at record highs. At its annual conference, Royal College of GPs (RCGP) leaders said that shortages were having a “devastating” impact on the health of local populations, particularly in areas where demand is high, and GP numbers are low.
Consequently, satisfaction levels with GP services have fallen to the lowest levels on record and waiting times to see a GP rising to 2-weeks a well-reported issue – showing the difficult position GPs find themselves.
Current plans for training more doctors, as well as giving pharmacists more responsibilities have been identified as solutions to the problem – although funding levels for GP services still account for less than 10% of the NHS budget. Given the important role GPs play in reducing the number of hospital appointments – often for mild or minor ailments – on a national health system already under considerable strain, it will remain to be seen whether a recent change in government will translate to a change in meaningful changes to the sector.
