Menu
23/04/2004
NHS hits GP recruitment target early, claims government
The government claimed that the NHS has hit its GP recruitment target three months ahead of schedule, according to figures published today.
GP numbers have increased by 2,131 since 1999, exceeding the NHS Plan target for 2,000 more GPs by March 2004, the government reported. There are now 30,598 GPs working in the NHS.
Today's figures, published in a mini-census of NHS GPs and consultants in December, also showed that the number of consultants has increased. There are now 29,217 consultants working in the NHS, up from 23,321 in 1999.
Health Secretary John Reid said: "These figures are good news, but we are determined to do more."
Mr Reid said he was delighted with the GP figures but disappointed that the number of consultants are not on track for end of March target.
"We will recruit more consultants as we promised in the NHS Plan, but it may take a little longer than expected," said Mr Reid.
Recruitment initiatives for GPs have included the Golden Hello scheme which offers up to £5,000 to GPs taking up their first substantive post, those returning from the GP Retainer scheme and those who are returning to general practice following a career break.
Up to a further £7,000 is available to those who take up posts in areas classified as under-doctored for the purposes of the scheme. At least 3,888 GPs have received a golden hello payment, 2,003 (51.5%) of which were GPs taking up a post in an area classified as under-doctored.
The GP Returner campaign was also launched in November 2002 to encourage locums and other qualified GPs not currently working in general practice to return to take up a substantive post.
So far over 1,200 GPs have applied to join the Flexible Careers and Returner schemes, currently over 900 GPs are on or have completed the schemes with over 300 more due to join them.
Encouraging overseas talent to migrate has also increased substantially over the last two years. The schemes has netted over overseas 200 doctors who have accepted post under the IR Fellowship programme, which targets experts from across the world - Europe, the USA, India and Australia - to bring the best of medical practice into shortage specialities in the NHS.
(gmcg)
GP numbers have increased by 2,131 since 1999, exceeding the NHS Plan target for 2,000 more GPs by March 2004, the government reported. There are now 30,598 GPs working in the NHS.
Today's figures, published in a mini-census of NHS GPs and consultants in December, also showed that the number of consultants has increased. There are now 29,217 consultants working in the NHS, up from 23,321 in 1999.
Health Secretary John Reid said: "These figures are good news, but we are determined to do more."
Mr Reid said he was delighted with the GP figures but disappointed that the number of consultants are not on track for end of March target.
"We will recruit more consultants as we promised in the NHS Plan, but it may take a little longer than expected," said Mr Reid.
Recruitment initiatives for GPs have included the Golden Hello scheme which offers up to £5,000 to GPs taking up their first substantive post, those returning from the GP Retainer scheme and those who are returning to general practice following a career break.
Up to a further £7,000 is available to those who take up posts in areas classified as under-doctored for the purposes of the scheme. At least 3,888 GPs have received a golden hello payment, 2,003 (51.5%) of which were GPs taking up a post in an area classified as under-doctored.
The GP Returner campaign was also launched in November 2002 to encourage locums and other qualified GPs not currently working in general practice to return to take up a substantive post.
So far over 1,200 GPs have applied to join the Flexible Careers and Returner schemes, currently over 900 GPs are on or have completed the schemes with over 300 more due to join them.
Encouraging overseas talent to migrate has also increased substantially over the last two years. The schemes has netted over overseas 200 doctors who have accepted post under the IR Fellowship programme, which targets experts from across the world - Europe, the USA, India and Australia - to bring the best of medical practice into shortage specialities in the NHS.
(gmcg)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
26 March 2007
'Postcode lottery' remains in NHS dental care
There are "huge regional variations" in NHS dental care in England, consumer organisation Which? has warned in new research. The survey of 466 dentistry practices - which comes a year after the start of new NHS dentists' contract in England - found that just over a third (36%) are taking on any new NHS patients.
'Postcode lottery' remains in NHS dental care
There are "huge regional variations" in NHS dental care in England, consumer organisation Which? has warned in new research. The survey of 466 dentistry practices - which comes a year after the start of new NHS dentists' contract in England - found that just over a third (36%) are taking on any new NHS patients.
16 September 2003
Health department claims GP recruitment is 'on target'
The government has claimed that the NHS is on target to reach its goal of recruiting 2,000 more GPs by March 2004. According to new figures released today by the Department of Health, a mini-census of GP numbers shows that between March and June 2003 a further 290 GPs were recruited bringing the total number recruited since 1999 to 1,530.
Health department claims GP recruitment is 'on target'
The government has claimed that the NHS is on target to reach its goal of recruiting 2,000 more GPs by March 2004. According to new figures released today by the Department of Health, a mini-census of GP numbers shows that between March and June 2003 a further 290 GPs were recruited bringing the total number recruited since 1999 to 1,530.
19 January 2005
NAO delivers report on NHS choice target
The National Audit Office (NAO) has reported "significant risks" in struggling plans to meet targets to deliver a choice of four or five hosptials to NHS patients by the end of 2005.
NAO delivers report on NHS choice target
The National Audit Office (NAO) has reported "significant risks" in struggling plans to meet targets to deliver a choice of four or five hosptials to NHS patients by the end of 2005.
04 January 2005
Five further health trusts make foundation grade
Following approval by the independent regulatory body, five Trusts have been granted Foundation Trust status.
Five further health trusts make foundation grade
Following approval by the independent regulatory body, five Trusts have been granted Foundation Trust status.
14 May 2004
Overseas visitors set to pay for GP services
GPs will be given new powers to charge overseas visitors for their services under new proposals announced today by Health Minister John Hutton. In a consultation paper published today, the Department of Health sets out proposals to establish new criteria for determining who will be eligible to receive free NHS primary care services.
Overseas visitors set to pay for GP services
GPs will be given new powers to charge overseas visitors for their services under new proposals announced today by Health Minister John Hutton. In a consultation paper published today, the Department of Health sets out proposals to establish new criteria for determining who will be eligible to receive free NHS primary care services.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
