Urgent Call for GP Funding: Unlock Jobs for Unemployed Doctors in the NHS

RCGP Demands Ring-Fenced Funding for GPs

The Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) has urged the Government to ring-fence funding for unemployed and underemployed GPs at all career stages as part of the anticipated new 10-year workforce plan for the NHS.

This demand is part of an open letter signed by over 3,000 GPs and GP registrars, from RCGP chair Professor Kamila Hawthorne to Health Secretary Wes Streeting. The letter, which continues to gather signatures, calls for a clear roadmap to train, recruit, and retain sufficient GP numbers.

Professor Hawthorne specifically asks for a guarantee of additional ring-fenced funding for practices to hire newly qualified and currently under/unemployed GPs as practice-based GPs. This echoes similar campaigns by the BMA GP registrar committee and the BMA's GP Committee, which have advocated for direct funding to practices instead of Primary Care Networks (PCNs).

Key Demands in the Letter

The RCGP's letter also includes calls to:

• Accelerate the increase in GP specialty training places to 6,000 by an earlier date than the current 2031/32 target.
• Expand training capacity by increasing the number of GP trainers and providing necessary practice building space.
• Commit to a Primary Care Investment Standard to ensure annual increases in general practice funding by the Government and Integrated Care Boards (ICBs).
• Develop a National Retention Strategy with ring-fenced funding for GP retention efforts.

Government Response and Context

The Government has promised a 'refreshed' workforce plan this year, replacing the 2023 Long Term Workforce Plan, which was criticized for projecting only a 4% increase in fully qualified GPs by 2036/37, compared to a 49% increase in hospital consultants. The new plan aims for 'fewer staff than projected' but with better motivation and training.

Professor Hawthorne commented, 'With the number of patients per GP way too high, we really need to increase GP numbers – by training more and ensuring every GP who qualifies is able to work as much as they want to.' She highlighted concerns that many GP registrars are struggling to find jobs, leading some to consider roles outside the NHS or even leaving the UK.

A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson responded, stating that GPs are central to the 10-Year Health Plan, with an additional £1 billion in support, recruitment of 2,000 more GPs, and rising patient satisfaction. They emphasized a call for evidence open until 7 November to inform the new workforce plan.

Broader Implications

This initiative follows a joint letter from over 70 health organizations, including the RCGP and BMA, urging involvement in the workforce plan's development. Pulse has reported on the GP unemployment crisis, with surveys indicating that 66% of final-year GP registrars find it difficult to secure work, and many consider leaving the UK due to job shortages.

The RCGP's full letter underscores the urgency, noting that 61% of practice managers need to expand the GP workforce, but 92% cite lack of funding as a barrier. It calls for annual progress updates on GP numbers and reinforced investment to address patient care demands.