What's happened
A new study reveals a 15% drop in the number of General Practitioners per 1,000 patients in England since 2013. Experts warn this trend could lead to a tipping point where GPs no longer provide the majority of appointments, impacting patient care quality.
Why it matters
What the papers say
According to Rebecca Thomas in The Independent, the study from University College London and the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine highlights a concerning trend: 'the number of GP practices in England has dropped by a fifth over the last decade.' Denis Campbell from The Guardian emphasizes the implications for patient care, stating that 'falling GP numbers delivering the same number of appointments per 1,000 patients seems unsustainable.' Meanwhile, Tina Reed from Axios discusses the broader context of healthcare access, noting that 'patients are getting less in return' as wait times increase across the board. These perspectives illustrate the urgent need for systemic changes in the healthcare landscape.
How we got here
The decline in General Practitioners (GPs) has been ongoing for a decade, coinciding with a significant increase in patient registrations. The number of GP practices has also decreased, leading to larger patient lists per doctor.
Common question
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What is Causing the GP Shortage in England?
The decline in the number of General Practitioners (GPs) in England has raised significant concerns about the future of healthcare. With a 15% drop in GP numbers per 1,000 patients since 2013 and a 20% reduction in GP practices, many are left wondering how this crisis will affect patient care and what solutions are being proposed. Below, we explore the reasons behind this decline, its impact on healthcare, and potential remedies.
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What is Causing the Decline in GP Numbers in England?
The decline in General Practitioners (GPs) in England has raised significant concerns about the future of healthcare in the country. With a reported 15% drop in GP numbers per 1,000 patients since 2013, many are left wondering how this trend will impact patient care and what solutions are being proposed to address this pressing issue.
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