4 in 10 GPs want out

ALMOST 40 per cent of GPs are considering quitting within the next five years a study has found.

Research by the University of Manchester involving 1,134 GPs found that a record 39 per cent had a ‘ considerable intention’ to leave their jobs within half a decade.

This is the highest percentage since the survey began in 2005. Of those who want to quit, 36 per cent intend to leave medical work entirely. The research also found that 14 per cent of GPs under 50 were considering leaving, up from just 6 per cent in 2005, while 57 per cent of all doctors want to reduce their working hours in the next five years.

Professor Kath Checkland, who led the study, said the 39 per cent figure was ‘particularly worrying in terms of the possible implications it might have on recruitment ... and patient care’.