GPs now dealing with up to 3,000 patients each as staff shortages worsen

GPs are attempting to deal with up to 3,000 patients each, amid worsening staff shortages, according to new analysis commissioned by the Liberal Democrats.

The research shows that the number of patients per GP has risen sharply, as rising numbers of doctors reduce their hours, or opt for early retirement. The figures, which track the number of “full-time equivalent” fully qualified GPs, show the number has fallen from 29,320 in 2016 to 27,372 last year. The trend follows a rise in part-time work, with the average GP now working a three-day week. 

On average, there are now 2,273 patients per fully qualified doctor, up from 1,981 in 2016, the research commissioned by the Liberal Democrats shows. While the total number of GPs fell by almost 2,000, the number of registered patients grew from 58 million to 62.2 million, according to the House of Commons Library.

Professor Kamila Hawthorne, chairwoman of the Royal College of GPs, said the research “shows yet again how GPs and our teams are working above and beyond to deliver care to an ever-growing patient population, with falling numbers of fully qualified, full-time equivalent GPs.”

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Source: The Telegraph, 14 February 2023