Declining GP Work Hours

Data reveals that general practitioners (GPs) in England have seen a decline in their average working hours from 80% to 69% of full-time equivalent since 2015. This reduction is attributed to a shift in the demographics and preferences of the GP workforce, with more women entering the field and male GPs opting for fewer hours. Notably, while there have been efforts to recruit more GPs, the overall supply has decreased by approximately 2.7% due to the drop in working hours. Concurrently, patient demand has risen significantly, with a 9% increase in patients per GP and a 32% increase when considering the prevalence of chronic conditions, leading to concerns about the sustainability of general practice.