Shortage of GPS may lead to closure of more than 350 surgeries next year

 GP surgery closures will affect three million patients next year, according to a survey by the Royal College of General Practitioners.

A total of five per cent of GPS reported that their practice was likely to close next year – more than 350 practices in the UK.

It comes amid concern over staffing as more and more GPS retire early or move to the private sector.

The poll of GPS found more than a third (37 per cent) of vacancies in their practice had been open for more than three months.

Prof Helen Stokes-lampard, the college’s chairman, said: “All GPS are overworked, many are stressed, and some are making themselves seriously ill working hours that are simply unsafe, for both themselves and their patients – it is making them want to leave the profession.

“This is having a serious impact on many of our patients, who are waiting longer and longer to secure a GP appointment.”

A spokesman for the Department of Health and Social Care said: “This year a record 3,473 doctors were recruited into GP training and we are determined to recruit an extra 5,000 doctors into general practice.”