Warning as number of GPS falls amid NHS crisis

MEDICS have branded a three per cent fall in the number of full-time GPS in Scotland “hugely worrying”, as capacity dips to its lowest level since 2009.

It comes amid a looming winter NHS crisis which Health Secretary Humza Yousaf has warned could be the worst on record.

A GP workforce survey published by Public Health Scotland revealed the number of whole-time equivalent (WTE) doctors decreased from 3,613 in 2019 to 3,494 in 2022.

It is thought the drop is the result of women GPS being more likely to work part-time.

The estimated WTE, which is based on 37 or more hours per week being full-time, for nurses in medical practices was 1,690 – the same as the previous survey in 2019.

Dr Andrew Buist, chair of the British Medical Association Scotland’s GP Committee, said: “These are hugely worrying statistics that starkly illustrate the mismatch between demand and GP capacity in Scotland that we have warned of for some time.

“Put simply, this means there is less GPS capacity available to care for the people of Scotland than at any point since 2009, at the exact time we are seeing a substantial increase in the demand for care – driven by an increasing and ageing population and everlengthening waiting lists.”

He said Scottish Government pledges to increase the GP workforce by 800 by 2027 must be matched with investment.

Mr Yousaf said: “We remain committed to increasing the number of GPS in Scotland by at least 800 by 2027.

“To support GP practices, we have recruited more than 3,220 healthcare professionals since 2018 and are committed to investing at least £170 million a year on growing primary care multi-disciplinary teams.”