The Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) has warned that the UK could find themselves 10,000 GPs short of a functioning NHS by 2020, if current trends continue.
GPs and aging population
Statistics show that in around 600 general practices across the UK, 75% of the doctors on duty are aged 55 and over, so therefore will be preparing for retirement in the next 10 years. This, coupled with reduced numbers of young GPs coming through, could spell trouble for hundreds of surgeries, and potentially lead to closures.
RCGP Chairperson, Dr Maureen Baker, gave her view of the situation, saying “It is imperative that we recruit huge numbers of medical students and foundation doctors into general practice in order to keep the NHS on its feet.”
“If we fail, there will be too few GPs to go round, practices will close, and patient safety in general practice will clearly be at risk.”
“Think GP”
In an effort to encourage more medical students to become general practitioners, the RCGP has launched a campaign called “Think GP”. This campaign will promote the benefits of becoming a GP, some of which include being able to deal with a wide range of problems, being an active member of any community you are stationed in, and enjoying a healthy work/life balance.
Dr Baker also spoke up on the push for more GPs, saying “The expert generalist skills of GPs have never been more in demand. And, as care is shifted out of hospitals, GPs will increasingly lead multi-professional teams to provide new integrated services for patients in their communities, using a wide range of medical skills.”
“GP practices are part of the fabric of their local communities, and the relationship that family doctors build with their patients over time remains a key reason why, when properly resourced, it is one of the most satisfying jobs there is.”
While this issue is not affecting us presently, now is the time to make moves towards increasing the number of GPs. With the recent struggles in the NHS over junior doctor contracts, as well as funding issues, which have been argued during the EU referendum, it seems now is the time the NHS needs help the most, This is especially true when it comes to recruiting GPs, ensuring there are enough junior doctors on staff in hospitals and keeping standards high overall.
Medical negligence
When GP surgeries and hospitals become overstretched with staff, it becomes far too common that mistakes happen. These mistakes, which often occur due to nurses or doctors being tired and overworked, are known as medical negligence.
Medical negligence covers a whole variety of incident, from incorrect prescriptions, surgical mistakes or simply not looking after a patient at any point during a stay in hospital. Medical negligence cases can result in serious injury with the outcomes including fractures, lacerations, serious illnesses and fatalities.
In cases of medical negligence, a law firm may be required to look into costs for care long after an injury. These costs would typically include any rehabilitation, counselling or financial planning if the injury has affected cognitive functions.
If you feel that you, a family member or friend has had an injury which was caused by medical negligence, then don’t suffer in silence. Contact us today for free, impartial advice on 01695 722 222 (lines are open weekdays from 9am to 7pm).
Alternatively you can begin any claim straight away using our online form here and one of our team will get back to you as soon as possible.