RCGP Cymru Wales expresses concerns about practice closures and declining numbers

RCGP Cymru Wales is concerned about the declining number of general practitioners, and GP practices in Wales, following the publication of worrying data today by Welsh Government. 

Statistics state that as of 31 December 2023 there were just 374 GP practices, a decrease of 2.4% since December 2022. There has also been a decrease in full time equivalent fully qualified GPs of 0.3%. This is a worrying downward trend at a time when demand is at its highest. Responding to the findings, Dr Rowena Christmas, RCGP Cymru Wales Chair said:

“If the Welsh Government is to deliver on its long-standing promise to focus on care closer to patients in their local communities, we need to see urgent investment in general practice.”

Further information

Nicolas Webb
Policy and Public Affairs Manager
Tel: 020 3188 7767
nicolas.webb@rcgp.org.uk

Notes to editor

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.