Two thirds of GPs now only work part-time as leading medics claim it is ‘unsurprising’ thousands are quitting because of the stress of the job
- Statistics show just 31 per cent of family doctors work 37.5 hours each week
- GPs are struggling to cope with the pressure caused by an ageing population
- One in seven GP posts across the NHS are empty, figures showed last month
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Two thirds of GPs now only work part-time, according to an analysis of official figures.
NHS Digital statistics show just 31 per cent of family doctors work 37.5 hours each week – the standard full-time hours.
The British Medical Association today admitted it was ‘unsurprising’ that GPs are pursuing a better work/life balance.
The UK is already in the midst of a GP crisis, with thousands of doctors retiring in their 50s, moving abroad or going to the private sector.
GPs are struggling to cope with the unprecedented pressure from an ageing population, a recruitment crisis and immigration levels.
NHS Digital statistics show just 31 per cent of family doctors work 37.5 hours each week – the standard full-time hours
Pulse, a magazine aimed at doctors, analysed the NHS figures from March to reveal thousands are giving up on full-time posts.
The statistics, which showed around 69 per cent of GPs worked part-time when data was collected earlier this year, are the most recent available.
This is a jump on the 65 per cent of GPs recorded as working less than 37.5 hours a week three years ago, in September 2015.
Dr Richard Vautrey, the BMA’s GP Committee chair, warned of the extreme amounts of pressure currently facing GPs.
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He added: ‘It is unsurprising many are choosing to adopt a more flexible approach to working where they can have a more reasonable work/life balance.
‘Indeed, in many cases, those scheduled on part-time hours are still doing a full week’s work.’
A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson said: ‘GPs are a vital part of the NHS.
‘It’s important to recognise the need for flexible working options so we can better retain GPs with patients benefiting from their wealth of knowledge and expertise.’
Numbers of GPs are known to be dwindling in recent years, placing even more pressure on an over-stretched health service.
One in seven posts across the NHS are now empty, it was reported earlier this summer, with vacancy rates trebling in six years.
Some GPs said they were choosing to become locums or even move abroad because the job has become so difficult.
Others are opting to only work part-time or practise as locums, rather than holding down permanent posts.
Record shortages are leaving patients with ever-longer waiting times, and make it far more difficult to see the same GP each time.
The shortage of doctors comes despite the NHS adopting a plan in April to recruit 5,000 extra GPs by 2021.
Former Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt’s pledge of £2.4 billion was said to be the answer to the staffing shortage, helping plug the growing number of vacancies.
This money was devised to lure GPs to move to the worst-hit areas of England, and to stop them from seeking another career.
It comes after a survey of 759 doctors last month found the majority plan on retiring before they reach the age of 60.
JUST HOW BAD IS THE RECRUITMENT CRISIS FOR DOCTORS?
Official figures showed in February that 41 per cent – around 10,000 doctors – are 50 or over and are expected to quit within the next five to ten years.
Former Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt promised golden hellos of £20,000 for trainees who take up unpopular posts in October.
Fewer young doctors are choosing to specialise as GPs, and are opting for more ‘macho’ career paths as surgeons or specialists.
Numbers of GPs are known to be dwindling in recent years, placing even more pressure on an over-stretched health service.
Many are retiring in their 50s, moving abroad or leaving to work in the private sector, as practices have threatened to close their waiting lists until action is taken.
This continued crisis has left many patients at risk, with staff unable to cope with the rising demand and slashed funding.
The shortage of doctors comes despite the NHS adopting a plan in April to recruit 5,000 extra GPs by 2021.
Mr Hunt’s pledge of £2.4 billion was said to be the answer to the staffing shortage, helping plug the growing number of vacancies.
This money was devised to lure GPs to move to the worst-hit areas of England, and to stop them from seeking another career.
Thousands of new ‘doctors on the cheap’ are also being trained to prop up the cash-strapped NHS, it emerged in June.
An army of ‘physician associates’ will work in GP surgeries and hospitals to diagnose patients, recommend treatments and perform minor procedures.
Scores of practices also believe they are working well beyond maximum capacity – feeling pressured to take on a higher workload and risk mistakes.
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