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GPs 'shun full-time work as pressures take toll' | GPs 'shun full-time work as pressures take toll' |
(about 1 hour later) | |
Part-time working for GPs is becoming commonplace, regulators say, raising concerns about the government's drive to recruit extra doctors. | Part-time working for GPs is becoming commonplace, regulators say, raising concerns about the government's drive to recruit extra doctors. |
Some 45% of GPs are working less than full-time, with a third cutting their hours in the past year, a General Medical Council survey indicated. | Some 45% of GPs are working less than full-time, with a third cutting their hours in the past year, a General Medical Council survey indicated. |
The poll also suggested more intended to follow suit amid rising workloads. | The poll also suggested more intended to follow suit amid rising workloads. |
The regulator said it was essential to retain more full-time GPs if numbers were going to rise. | The regulator said it was essential to retain more full-time GPs if numbers were going to rise. |
The findings - part of an annual report into the entire medical workforce - come after the government promised to recruit extra GPs, as part of their election campaign. | The findings - part of an annual report into the entire medical workforce - come after the government promised to recruit extra GPs, as part of their election campaign. |
It has set a target to recruit 6,000 extra by 2025 in England. | It has set a target to recruit 6,000 extra by 2025 in England. |
But GMC chief executive Charlie Massey said while more GPs were coming through training, it was not enough to keep up with demand. | But GMC chief executive Charlie Massey said while more GPs were coming through training, it was not enough to keep up with demand. |
"The clinical work of GPs is changing," he said. | "The clinical work of GPs is changing," he said. |
"They're seeing more patients, many with complex needs and some who have high expectations of what primary care can do for them. | "They're seeing more patients, many with complex needs and some who have high expectations of what primary care can do for them. |
"To break this cycle of workforce shortages we need a clear plan, in all four countries of the UK, for a sustainable increase in the number of GPs." | "To break this cycle of workforce shortages we need a clear plan, in all four countries of the UK, for a sustainable increase in the number of GPs." |
In 2015, the government in England set a target of increasing the number of full-time equivalents by 5,000 by 2020. | In 2015, the government in England set a target of increasing the number of full-time equivalents by 5,000 by 2020. |
But latest figures show the numbers have hardly changed. | But latest figures show the numbers have hardly changed. |
The survey, of nearly 3,900 doctors - more than 1,000 of whom were GPs - suggests GPs are the most likely to work part-time as well as the most likely to report dissatisfaction with their working lives. | The survey, of nearly 3,900 doctors - more than 1,000 of whom were GPs - suggests GPs are the most likely to work part-time as well as the most likely to report dissatisfaction with their working lives. |
Rising workloads and patient expectations were cited as key reasons, with one in 10 having to take time off work because of stress. | Rising workloads and patient expectations were cited as key reasons, with one in 10 having to take time off work because of stress. |
Nine in 10 also reported working extra hours beyond what they were contracted to work. | Nine in 10 also reported working extra hours beyond what they were contracted to work. |
Prof Martin Marshall of the Royal College of GPs said the profession should not be criticised for this. | Prof Martin Marshall of the Royal College of GPs said the profession should not be criticised for this. |
"Working 'full-time' in general practice is simply not doable for many," he said. | "Working 'full-time' in general practice is simply not doable for many," he said. |
But even when doctors reduced their hours, they may still be contributing to patient care in others through education, research or leadership roles. | But even when doctors reduced their hours, they may still be contributing to patient care in others through education, research or leadership roles. |
The government in England has promised to further increase the number of GPs being trained, do more to improve retention and recruit from abroad. | The government in England has promised to further increase the number of GPs being trained, do more to improve retention and recruit from abroad. |
Are you a GP that's working reduced or part-time hours? Share your experiences by emailing haveyoursay@bbc.co.uk. | |
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