Commenting on the General Practice Workforce Survey published today, Dr Iain Morrison, chair of BMA Scottish general practitioners committee, said: “GP numbers have been at best flatlining for at least a decade, so to see some increase this year indicates that despite falling resources, practices are doing what they can to bring more GPs on board to meet demand.

“But the context of recent years is crucial. In 2017, the Scottish Government pledged to increase GP numbers by 800 in the next decade. In the time since, there has been an increase of just 71 WTE GPs, or around 9 a year. This is the measure we should be using, as it what makes a difference to patients accessing GP services. However,  Scottish Government insist on using headcount which does not accurately represent how much labour is supplied. But even by headcount the increase in GPs from 2017 is just under 200 – or 25 GPs a year. Continuing on that trajectory, the Scottish Government would reach its target just before 2050.

“This just shows that while a rise in a single year of GPs is to be welcomed, any suggestion that we are on track to meet demand or employ the GPs we need are well wide of the mark. Given a £290m gap has opened up in the funding of GPs, these figures simply show that we are striving to do more with less. The figures show Scotland is still well short of the numbers that are required to deliver the GP service the country needs.

“The demands of an ageing population, with more conditions and treatments than ever before, and at least a decade of stagnating GP numbers means that we have nowhere near the numbers of GPs required.  In the details of these figures, we can see a fall in independent contractors, showing this incredibly efficient model is under threat. And while this survey shows that some of those vacancies that did exist have now been filled by GPs struggling to find sufficient work, there remain many more GPs who are unable to find the opportunities they need to look after Scotland’s population due to a lack of funding. Our own more recent survey suggests this could be the equivalent of another 158 WTE salaried GPs.

“These figures should do very little to reassure anyone that the crisis in general practice is anywhere near being fixed. Instead, we urgently need the full funding restoration to deliver the £290m our service has lost and finally enable general practice to again fulfil its huge potential.”

Notes to editors

The BMA is a professional association and trade union representing and negotiating on behalf of all doctors in the UK. A leading voice advocating for outstanding health care and a healthy population. An association providing members with excellent individual services and support throughout their lives.