Scotland is going to struggle to recruit GPs – and to fill gaps with other primary care workers, its official auditor warns today.

The country has set a target of increasing GP numbers by 800 within ten years but workforce planning remains “fragmented,” according to auditor-general Caroline Gardner.

Ms Gardner criticises limitations in data on the make-up of the primary care workforce. There had been major policy changes but no “reliable basis” for the plans.

The Scottish government had failed to account for changes in working practices – including part-time working and early retirements.

She said: “Because the government’s planning for increasing the number of GPs doesn’t take account of things like changing working practices, with more GPs working part-time, and the rate of retirement that were are seeing among the GP workforce, we think it will be difficult to for the government to meet its targets of having 800 additional GPs working in Scotland in 10 years’ time.

“That’s compounded by the difficulties there are in recruiting pharmacists, physiotherapists and practice nurses who work in the multi-disciplinary teams with GPs. The two together are really critical to making sure primary care can meet the needs of Scotland’s people in future.”

Health Secretary Jeane Freeman said a new contract would reduce pressure on GPs.

She said: “Today’s report from Audit Scotland highlights the vital role primary care plays in delivering our long-term vision of shifting the balance of care towards community and preventative care. As we work to address the challenges in this area we are seeking to build on our record number of GPs by at least 800 in the next 10 years. This is backed by our substantial annual increases in primary care and general practice funding.

“The new GP contract and investment in multi-disciplinary teams is increasing capacity in primary care and helping patients to be seen at the right time by the right person. It will also help reduce GP workload, making the career even more attractive to new doctors.”

Dr Andrew Cowie, from the British Medical Association Scottish GP committee, said: “It is worrying to see the level of work the Scottish Government needs to do on this. The delay in publishing the Workforce Plan – which was supposed to be published in late spring this year – is very concerning. To be clear – the commitment is very welcome, but the Audit Scotland report leaves little doubt that we need more details on the plans urgently.”

He added: “I understand the concerns raised by our rural GPs, who are facing major recruitment and retention issues and a real struggle to get locums and replacements in some of the most remote communities.

“Our chair’s recent visit to rural practices highlighted the challenges we face to recruit and retain doctors in these areas, with a number of GPs over the age of 40. Our approach to rural areas does need to be flexible and we all need to keep working on appropriate solutions.”