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Would-be GPs could get student fees reimbursed in Wales Would-be GPs could get student fees reimbursed in Wales
(about 7 hours later)
The fees of medical students who commit to becoming GPs could be paid in a bid to avert what doctors are calling an impending crisis.The fees of medical students who commit to becoming GPs could be paid in a bid to avert what doctors are calling an impending crisis.
The idea is in a plan to boost numbers of GPs and community nurses in Wales.The idea is in a plan to boost numbers of GPs and community nurses in Wales.
Other measures unveiled by the health minister include offering part-time work to doctors thinking of retiring.Other measures unveiled by the health minister include offering part-time work to doctors thinking of retiring.
Mark Drakeford, who announced an extra £4.5m towards recruitment and training, also said he wanted to "make the most" of the skills of current staff.Mark Drakeford, who announced an extra £4.5m towards recruitment and training, also said he wanted to "make the most" of the skills of current staff.
The Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) in Wales has already pointed to a "desperate workplace crisis", with nearly a quarter of GPs set to retire over the next five years and a slump in medical graduates wanting to replace them.The Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) in Wales has already pointed to a "desperate workplace crisis", with nearly a quarter of GPs set to retire over the next five years and a slump in medical graduates wanting to replace them.
The strategy also looks at new ways of working between GPs, pharmacists, dentists, optometrists, therapists, nurses and other healthcare workers.The strategy also looks at new ways of working between GPs, pharmacists, dentists, optometrists, therapists, nurses and other healthcare workers.
It wants improved training, more robust planning and a greater sharing of information, so patients can be given more effective treatment outside hospital.It wants improved training, more robust planning and a greater sharing of information, so patients can be given more effective treatment outside hospital.
South Wales GP Dr Richard Lewis, Welsh Secretary of the British Medical Association, has also been appointed as Wales' first professional lead for primary care.
His responsibilities include providing leadership to healthcare staff in the community and helping the Welsh government with its plan to provide more medical services closer to people's homes.
Proposals include:Proposals include:
BBC Wales health correspondent Owain Clarke took a trip around mid and north Wales to look at three surgeries.BBC Wales health correspondent Owain Clarke took a trip around mid and north Wales to look at three surgeries.
Criccieth Medical Centre, GwyneddCriccieth Medical Centre, Gwynedd
There are 4,000 registered patients but shortages of GPs locally coupled with an aging population means demand is increasing all the time. Some patients can wait up to a month for an appointment.There are 4,000 registered patients but shortages of GPs locally coupled with an aging population means demand is increasing all the time. Some patients can wait up to a month for an appointment.
Dr Melfyn Edwards said: "There's been a failure to recruit for various reasons. The situation is quite bleak locally.Dr Melfyn Edwards said: "There's been a failure to recruit for various reasons. The situation is quite bleak locally.
"For GPs it's degrading to morale, it's very difficult to try to sustain a happy smiling face and provide good standards of service when you're under a heck of a lot of pressure daily.""For GPs it's degrading to morale, it's very difficult to try to sustain a happy smiling face and provide good standards of service when you're under a heck of a lot of pressure daily."
Meddyg Care, Porthmadog, GwyneddMeddyg Care, Porthmadog, Gwynedd
After the retirement of two local GPs, Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board had to take over the running of GP surgeries in Porthmadog for 18 months using temporary staff.After the retirement of two local GPs, Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board had to take over the running of GP surgeries in Porthmadog for 18 months using temporary staff.
The tender to run the town's two NHS surgeries was subsequently won by Meddyg Care company, a business run by two GPs and a managing partner.The tender to run the town's two NHS surgeries was subsequently won by Meddyg Care company, a business run by two GPs and a managing partner.
Kevin Edwards, practice manager, said: "We've got to be encouraging medical students to come to general practices and spending more time than they do presently".Kevin Edwards, practice manager, said: "We've got to be encouraging medical students to come to general practices and spending more time than they do presently".
Machynlleth Medical Centre, PowysMachynlleth Medical Centre, Powys
The Medical Centre in Machynlleth previously had four GP partners, now there are only two. After failing to recruit extra GP partners, Powys Local Health Board will take over the running of the surgery later this summer.The Medical Centre in Machynlleth previously had four GP partners, now there are only two. After failing to recruit extra GP partners, Powys Local Health Board will take over the running of the surgery later this summer.
Dr David Church said: "There is a shortage across Britain. For a small surgery like this, you notice more of a difference.Dr David Church said: "There is a shortage across Britain. For a small surgery like this, you notice more of a difference.
"The health board will be taking over the direct management at the start of August and we hope that will allow us to concentrate on the clinical route while still trying to recruit doctors.""The health board will be taking over the direct management at the start of August and we hope that will allow us to concentrate on the clinical route while still trying to recruit doctors."
Mr Drakeford said: "Our goal is to meet the rising demand for healthcare by making the most of the skills our dedicated primary care workforce already have and supporting them in their continued desire to innovate and improve the services they provide every day."Mr Drakeford said: "Our goal is to meet the rising demand for healthcare by making the most of the skills our dedicated primary care workforce already have and supporting them in their continued desire to innovate and improve the services they provide every day."
Meanwhile, Dr Richard Lewis, who has been Welsh secretary of doctors' organisation, the British Medical Association, has been appointed as Wales' first national professional lead for primary care.
The new role will help ministers deliver the new strategy.
"He has the knowledge, experience and understanding of the strengths and challenges of our health service in Wales," said Mr Drakeford..