A new analysis shows how problems in general practices have been growing to critical levels in the last decade.

More than 25% of practices were suffering from high GP turnover before the pandemic – a doubling of the number facing this problem, according to a Manchester University study published today.

The researchers said the findings showed “worrying trends”. The study found that by 2017, 6.3% of practices had suffered high turnover for at least three consecutive years. This compared with 2.7% in 2007. However, throughout the period, there was a consistent proportion of practices with very high turnover – at 8%, according to the study in BMJ Open.

Researcher Professor Evan Kontopantelis said: “We already know the GP workforce in England is going through a major crisis. Rates of early retirement are increasing, as are intentions to reduce hours of working or leave their practice in the near future. Though in 2015, the government promised 5,000 more doctors in primary care by 2020, the number of full-time equivalent GPs per 1,000 patients continues to decline.”

He added: “We reveal worrying trends in GP turnover. High levels may affect the ability to deliver primary care services; and undermine continuity of care which in turn may affect the quality of patient care. And healthcare received from multiple GPs can lead to conflicting therapeutic treatments and fragmented care. Differential turnover across practices and regions could also lead to a maldistribution of GPs, exacerbating retention problems and health inequalities.”