The places with the worst GP shortages revealed

Shortages of doctors mean the average GP in England has to care for 17% more patients than nine years ago, a BBC analysis shows.

It means for every permanent GP there are more than 2,300 patients - a jump of nearly 350 since 2015, helping explain why access to general practice has been worsening and patient satisfaction declining.

The analysis of NHS data also shows the areas struggling the most have list sizes exceeding 3,000 patients, nearly double those with the most doctors. Experts said the variation was "unwarranted" and put patients' health at risk.

The government said it was developing plans to train more doctors and relieve some of the pressure by giving pharmacists more responsibilities.

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Source: BBC News, 2 October 2024