The BMA has just identified another growing problem that will face the next government, the chronic underfunding of GP practices, and is urging patients to advocate for better support during the election.
The campaign, called ‘GPs are on your side’, warns that general practice is ‘collapsing’, and that ‘every practice across England is struggling to keep its doors open’ – calling on patients to speak up about pressures on general practice during the general election. It argues that GPs agree with patients and the wider public that “nobody should struggle to see their family doctor.”
The campaign explains that GP practices in England receive just ‘£107.57 per year for each patient, whatever their health needs’ – that’s less per day than the cost of an apple. The problems have been worsened by NHS England’s offer of funding that will only pay for “additional roles” staff – but not help to pay GPs or qualified nurses.
GP-led services are at risk, with Pulse online magazine warning of substantial unemployment among GPs unable to find locum posts this summer as practices struggle to cut spending to stay afloat.
Full story in The Lowdown, 19 June 2024