Lib Dems warn of GP retirement time bomb as ‘one in five near retirement age’
T
he Liberal Democrats have warned of a GP “retirement time bomb” after analysis by the get together steered one in 5 household medical doctors might be nearing the tip of their profession.
Some 8,000 members – or 22% – of the present totally certified workforce are over 55 and 10% are 60 or over, in response to get together evaluation of NHS figures.
Polling carried out final 12 months by Pulse Today, an business publication, confirmed round half – 47% – of GPs meant to retire at round 60.
It comes forward of the discharge of the Government’s long-promised NHS workforce plan later this week.
The Lib Dems have stated the figures present the plan should embrace clear proposals to handle GP retention and recruitment points.
Lib Dem deputy chief Daisy Cooper MP stated: “Communities are facing a GP retirement time bomb that would make it even harder to get an appointment when you need one.
“GPs on the front line do an incredible job looking after their patients, but increasingly many are choosing to leave or retire early because of unmanageable workloads. It is creating a vicious cycle, with patients struggling to get an appointment while GPs are under more pressure than ever.
“This week’s plans from the Government need to include a clear plan to finally recruit the extra GPs the country needs, without cutting corners, downgrading care or risking patient safety.
“That should include listening to Liberal Democrat plans to boost the number of GPs so that everyone can get a GP appointment within a week or within 24 hours if in urgent need.
“People are fed up with this Conservative government failing to deliver on the basics and driving local health services into the ground.”