GP leaders are to continue to press for a plan to stem the loss of doctors from their profession, following the promise of a significant increase in trainees. The Government confirmed on Friday that it proposes to increase GP training places by 50%, reaching 6,000 trainees a year by 2032. But the Royal College of…

More GPs are retiring early – and the number has been increasing since 2008, according to new figures published today in advance of tomorrow’s Government announcement of its plan to solve the NHS workforce crisis. Data provided to The BMJ by the NHS Business Services Authority, under a freedom of information request, showed the number…

GP leaders have welcomed an independent report which calls for steps to improve the care of patients with disabilities and long term conditions. It came amid a series of studies showing growing shortages of doctors – and new concerns in Wales. The National Voices organisation – which brings together 200 charities – issued three reports…

The Government is due to announce its solution to the relentless decline in GP numbers on Friday, it has emerged. New figures show the number of qualified GPs continues to fall in spite of significant increases in trainee numbers. New data also shows how small numbers of primary care staff are now shifting to direct…

Doctors suffered a massive reduction in morale last year – with GPs especially hard hit, according to the findings of a major survey published today. The findings show a “vicious cycle” of pressures that aggravate workforce shortages – leading to more pressure, the General Medical Council warned. The survey found that 44% of doctors reported…

Practice Index recently hosted an incredibly popular podcast to discuss the success of the new triage system at St Lawrence Surgery in Sussex, which has revolutionised patient access and reduced GP workload. Alongside the podcast, we also hosted a lunchtime webinar where Jo Wadey, Business Manager and Dr David Stokes, the lead clinician who pioneered…

Many practices are refusing to register homeless patients in spite of national guidance aimed at protecting them, it has been reported. The Health Service Journal contacted 100 practices and found that two thirds refused to take a patient who could not provide a permanent address. The practices were all in London and the journal contacted…