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Warning over GP staffing 'crisis'

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Warning over GP staffing 'crisis'

Scotland could face a GP staffing crisis within five years because too few doctors are being trained to enter the profession, it is claimed.

The British Medical Association (BMA) said 21% of GPs plan to retire during this time but there are not enough new recruits to replace them.

The warning comes ahead of a BMA annual conference where GPs will be asked to consider strike action over pay.

The Scottish Government said plans to retain and recruit GPs are in place.

BMA delegates will meet in Clydebank for the annual conference of Scottish local medical committees.

A range of issues will be debated including recent changes to contracts and the Scottish Government's proposal for GPs to work more flexible hours.

One motion from the conference agenda committee, declares: "Industrial action needs to be seriously contemplated in view of the relentless and continuous erosion of the GP contract."

A spokeswoman from the BMA said the motion reflected the feeling of many doctors.

'Low morale'

Earlier this month health secretary Nicola Sturgeon announced that payments to GP practices which provide core services will rise by 2.7%, resulting in a 2.2% increase in earnings.

But the BMA said 2.7% was removed from another income stream resulting in a zero net pay rise.

The report published by the BMA ahead of the conference found half of GPs had reported low morale. It blamed a sharp increase in workload and staff shortages.

The document called for the introduction of a 'step-down' scheme for GPs approaching retirement so they leave their post gradually and are able to help alleviate staff shortages.

An increase in GP specialist registrar places, additional training opportunities in rural and deprived practice areas, and more flexible working for those with families were also suggested measures.

Dr Dean Marshall, chairman of the BMA's Scottish GP committee, said it was essential that staffing shortages were addressed.

He said: "There is an increasing demand from doctors of both sexes for family friendly policies, including part-time working.

"It is vital to support these polices not least to retain highly skilled professionals in the service, but with significant numbers of GPs now working part time, this represents a significant fall in the availability of GPs that must be addressed urgently."

Nicola Sturgeon said GPs were being offered a very attractive working package.

She said: "We have robust GP workforce plans in place to retain and recruit doctors, so that we have enough to meet the demands of the NHS.

"Trainee numbers are reviewed every year and take into account a range of issues, including retirement, that affect GP numbers. Last year, the number of trainee GPs increased by 50 to 887 and we will train the same number this year.

"This figure, and the total number of GPs, is very healthy and we are confident we will be able to fill future vacancies."

Story from BBC NEWS:
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