latest health care news

21.07.20

GP trainee recruitment numbers rise for third consecutive year

According to new figures by Health Education England (HEE), GP trainee recruitment numbers have risen for the third year running, up a record 15% compared to the same point last year.

The figures represent a new 3,441 acceptances onto GP specialty training in 2020, compared to 2,891 at the same point in 2019. With one more round of recruitment still to go, HEE is on track to beat its target for recruiting 3,500 doctors in training to general practice this year.

NHS England and HEE have been working closely with general practice to increase its workforce in England, including carrying out measures to boost recruitment, address reasons for doctors leaving the profession and encouraging them to return to practice.

The efforts fit into the UK government’s wider commitment to grow the workforce by 6,000 more doctors, as well as thousands of additional physiotherapists, pharmacists and other highly-skilled practitioners, in order to deliver an extra 50 million appointments a year.

Health Secretary Matt Hancock said: “This is fantastic news for the NHS: for the third year running GP trainee recruitment is breaking records.

“We’re now well on our way to beating our annual target, showing there is growing interest in this fantastic career.

“These new trainees will ensure a pipeline of talent for the future and help us deliver an extra 50 million appointments a year for patients as well as 6,000 more doctors in general practice.”

As part of its efforts to boost the workforce, the government committed at least an additional £1.5bn in cash terms for general practice over the next four years. This is in addition to the £4.5bn real terms annual increase announced for primary and community care in the NHS Long Term Plan by 2023-2024.

Comments

There are no comments. Why not be the first?

Add your comment

national health executive tv

more videos >

featured articles

View all News

last word

Haseeb Ahmad: ‘We all have a role to play in getting innovations quicker’

Haseeb Ahmad: ‘We all have a role to play in getting innovations quicker’

Haseeb Ahmad, president of the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry (ABPI), sits down with National Health Executive as part of our Last Word Q&A series. Would you talk us throu more > more last word articles >

health service focus

View all News

comment

NHS England dementia director prescribes rugby for mental health and dementia patients

23/09/2019NHS England dementia director prescribes rugby for mental health and dementia patients

Reason to celebrate as NHS says watching rugby can be good for your mental ... more >
Peter Kyle MP: It’s time to say thank you this Public Service Day

21/06/2019Peter Kyle MP: It’s time to say thank you this Public Service Day

Taking time to say thank you is one of the hidden pillars of a society. Bei... more >

interviews

Matt Hancock says GP recruitment is on the rise to support ‘bedrock of the NHS’

24/10/2019Matt Hancock says GP recruitment is on the rise to support ‘bedrock of the NHS’

Today, speaking at the Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) annual... more >

the scalpel's daily blog

Covid-19 can signal a new deal with the public on health

28/08/2020Covid-19 can signal a new deal with the public on health

Danny Mortimer, Chief Executive, NHS Employers & Deputy Chief Executive, NHS Confederation The common enemy of coronavirus united the public side by side wi... more >
read more blog posts from 'the scalpel' >