Menu
23/04/2004
Department's figures do not give 'full picture', says BMA
The British Medical Association (BMA), while welcoming the increase in GP numbers, has said that the claims by the government "do not give the full picture".
The government claimed that GP numbers had increased by 2,131, but the BMA disputed these figures, and said that the figures did not take into account part-time posts in relation to full-time equivalents.
Dr John Chisholm, Chairman of the BMA's GPC, said: "The department quotes headcount figures but many of the new GPs will be working part-time in general practice. Using the government's own figures, we calculate that between September 1999 and September 2003 there was at best an increase of 1,323 full-time equivalent GPs in England over the four-year period.
"Today's figures show that new GPs recruited between September and December last year are equivalent to 108 full-time family doctors. This gives a picture of 1,431 full-time GPs over the NHS Plan period - a very welcome addition to the workforce but still far too few."
But Dr Chisholm said that while there had been "quite a substantial increase in numbers", the increase was "well short of the government's own target and a very long way indeed below the 10,000 extra GPs which the BMA and the Royal College of GPs claim are necessary to deliver the NHS Plan".
The government launched a GP Returner programme in 2002 in a bid to attract back doctors to General Practice posts and a golden hello scheme to GPs taking up first posts.
According to government figure released today some 1,200 GPs had been attracted by these incentives.
(SP)
The government claimed that GP numbers had increased by 2,131, but the BMA disputed these figures, and said that the figures did not take into account part-time posts in relation to full-time equivalents.
Dr John Chisholm, Chairman of the BMA's GPC, said: "The department quotes headcount figures but many of the new GPs will be working part-time in general practice. Using the government's own figures, we calculate that between September 1999 and September 2003 there was at best an increase of 1,323 full-time equivalent GPs in England over the four-year period.
"Today's figures show that new GPs recruited between September and December last year are equivalent to 108 full-time family doctors. This gives a picture of 1,431 full-time GPs over the NHS Plan period - a very welcome addition to the workforce but still far too few."
But Dr Chisholm said that while there had been "quite a substantial increase in numbers", the increase was "well short of the government's own target and a very long way indeed below the 10,000 extra GPs which the BMA and the Royal College of GPs claim are necessary to deliver the NHS Plan".
The government launched a GP Returner programme in 2002 in a bid to attract back doctors to General Practice posts and a golden hello scheme to GPs taking up first posts.
According to government figure released today some 1,200 GPs had been attracted by these incentives.
(SP)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
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.
23 April 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.
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.
30 March 2005
Government figures reveal drop in poverty figures
Fewer pensioners and children are living in poverty, new government figures have revealed. A report by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) showed that absolute pensioner poverty has dropped from 2.8 million in 1997 to 900,000 today, a drop of two-thirds.
Government figures reveal drop in poverty figures
Fewer pensioners and children are living in poverty, new government figures have revealed. A report by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) showed that absolute pensioner poverty has dropped from 2.8 million in 1997 to 900,000 today, a drop of two-thirds.
10 June 2011
Health Reforms Prompt GPs Into Retirement, Finds Survey
Over half of GPs planning to retire in the next two years say NHS reforms are a reason for them going, according to preliminary findings from a major BMA survey published ahead of the start of the annual GP conference of Local Medical Committees (LMCs).
Health Reforms Prompt GPs Into Retirement, Finds Survey
Over half of GPs planning to retire in the next two years say NHS reforms are a reason for them going, according to preliminary findings from a major BMA survey published ahead of the start of the annual GP conference of Local Medical Committees (LMCs).
30 September 2008
GPs Targets Exceeded
New figures just published today show that GPs in England are making a real improvement to the health of the nation. According to the new data, general practice teams achieved 96.
GPs Targets Exceeded
New figures just published today show that GPs in England are making a real improvement to the health of the nation. According to the new data, general practice teams achieved 96.
-
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.
