GP numbers not rising at pace with GP workload – response to BJGP study

The RCGP has responded to research published in the British Journal of General Practice on trends in clinical workload in primary care.

Professor Kamila Hawthorne, Chair of the Royal College of GPs, said: “This study tallies with what our members tell us – GP numbers are not rising at pace with GP workload, meaning we are unable to spend the time we want to with our patients, particularly those with complex health needs. 

“While it’s a testament to advances in medicine that patients are living longer, as they do, they are often living with multiple, long-term health conditions that need to be carefully monitored and treated, potentially for the rest of their lives. GPs are highly skilled at delivering this care for patients, but it is becoming more difficult to deliver in the face of intense workload and workforce pressures.

“As this study also suggests, high levels of bureaucratic and administrative responsibilities on GPs are taking us away from direct patient care. Recent polling by the College found that half of GPs report that over a quarter of their workload is taken up by unnecessary bureaucracy every day – time that could be spent with patients. 

“Our patients’ need for GP care and services is only going to intensify – so decisive measures must be taken now to ensure GPs and our teams can deliver the care our patients require. Reducing the administrative burden on GPs would alleviate some of the current pressure, but this will need to be alongside proper investment in general practice, including in the GP workforce, so that we can deliver safe, timely and accessible care for all our patients.”

Further information

RCGP press office: 0203 188 7659
press@rcgp.org.uk

Notes to editors

The Royal College of General Practitioners is a network of more than 54,000 family doctors working to improve care for patients. We work to encourage and maintain the highest standards of general medical practice and act as the voice of GPs on education, training, research and clinical standards.