The government is “way off” target for meeting its targets for GP numbers, a leading expert has stated. The latest monthly figures for general practice staffing continued to show a reduction in numbers of qualified GPs. The overall number of doctors working in general practice has increased by 1% in the last year – because…

Public satisfaction with the NHS and general practice has crashed to its lowest ever level across the UK, according to a major analysis published today. Just 29% of people say there are satisfied with the service – and 51% say they are dissatisfied, according to the British Social Attitudes survey, with long waiting times for…

GPs in the UK are under greater stress than those in other high-income countries, according to a major analysis published today. The figures come from the Health Foundation and are based on Commonwealth Fund information. Their report, released today, covers the pressures facing GPs in the UK and internationally, looking at survey results from 9,526…

The use of remote and digital primary care could be making it more difficult to achieve continuity of care, according to an analysis published today. Research published in the British Journal of General Practice said continuity in primary care is important but little is known about expanding remote and digital care models in primary care…

Practices and pharmacists in Scotland are to work together to try to reduce the environmental impact of prescribing, it has been announced. The Royal College of GPs in the country and the Royal Pharmaceutical Society have teamed up for the project, which will seek to tackle wasteful packaging and wastage of medicines. They were joined…

General practice training should be “more flexible” and use modern technology, according to a major new report. Trainees could have “innovative” placements with charities and services such as mental health services for children and adolescents, according to Health Education England, which says that mental health training must be a priority. The report avoids the question…

Jeremy Hunt’s dramatic resolution of the doctor pension trap crisis failed to satisfy practice leaders yesterday – as they called on him to tackle other problems in the service. Hunt, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, gave no indication of funding to settle pay disputes or to allow improved recruitment into the NHS as part of…