The Unseen Crisis: GPs Leaving the NHS Due to Lack of Jobs

The NHS is facing an unprecedented crisis as general practitioners (GPs) are being forced out of the healthcare system due to a lack of job opportunities. In a shocking revelation, experts have disclosed that some GPs are turning to gig economy jobs, such as driving for Uber, just to make ends meet. This dire situation is attributed to chronic underfunding and the escalating costs of running general practices, which have left GP surgeries without the necessary resources to recruit and retain staff. At a time when demand for GP appointments is soaring, the system is on the brink of collapse, with medics warning that things could get even worse in April when a rise in employers’ national insurance contributions takes effect.

The Challenges Faced by GPs: Underemployment and Career Changes

The British Medical Association (BMA) has conducted a survey of over 1,400 GPs in England, revealing that one in five are actively planning a career change due to the inability to find sufficient work within the NHS. This stark finding aligns with a separate survey by Dr. Steve Taylor, a Manchester-based GP with 30 years of experience, who found that one-third of GPs are either underemployed or completely out of work. Dr. Taylor, a spokesperson for the Doctors Association, highlighted the absurdity of the situation, stating that newly qualified GPs are being forced to take on gig economy jobs to pay their bills. He emphasized that the problem lies in the lack of funding for GP practices, which has resulted in unemployment and underemployment among doctors.

A Crisis Decades in the Making

Dr. Taylor described the situation as a "crisis" and expressed concerns that the NHS could end up with a two-tier healthcare system, similar to dentistry, where private providers absorb unemployed GPs, leaving the public system understaffed. He noted that just four years ago, his practice received only one application for a salaried GP position, but now they are inundated with 30 applicants vying for a single role. This stark reversal underscores the severity of the problem, which has been decades in the making. Chronic underfunding, rising operational costs, and an inability to recruit and retain staff have created a perfect storm that is pushing GPs out of the NHS.

The BMA Survey: Fears of a Mass Exodus

The BMA survey paints a grim picture of the state of general practice in England. Nearly half of the respondents (47%) indicated that they were exploring changes to their careers, with the most popular options being clinical jobs outside the NHS (43%), GP opportunities abroad (40%), and leaving healthcare altogether (38%). Dr. Mark Steggles, chair of the BMA’s sessional GP committee, described the situation as "ridiculous," saying that it is unacceptable for GPs to be unable to find work at a time when patients are waiting longer than ever to see a doctor. He warned that the crisis is spreading rapidly through the profession, leading many GPs to question why they should remain in the NHS at all.

Government Response: Too Little, Too Late?

The government has acknowledged the crisis and has taken steps to address the recruitment problem. Health Secretary Wes Streeting announced an additional £889 million in funding for GP practices to reduce bureaucracy and allow doctors to spend more time with patients. He also expanded the Additional Roles Reimbursement Scheme (ARRS), which previously focused on hiring non-GP roles, such as dieticians and social prescribers, to include GPs. However, experts argue that these measures are insufficient to address the scale of the problem. The ARRS, for instance, only applies to 1,000 newly qualified GPs on fixed-term contracts, and the roles often come with lower salaries and the requirement to work across multiple practices. The BMA has called for direct funding to GP practices and an increase in the amount allocated, warning of a "mass exodus" if no meaningful action is taken.

The Future of General Practice: A Bleak Outlook

The situation is expected to worsen further in August when 4,000 new GP trainees will qualify, adding to the already overwhelming unemployment rates among GPs. The rise in employers’ national insurance contributions in April will only exacerbate the financial strain on GP practices, making it even harder for them to recruit and retain staff. Shropshire GP Jessica Harvey described the situation as an "unprecedented crisis," highlighting the devastating impact of chronic underfunding, practice closures, and the stress caused by additional financial burdens like the national insurance increase. Patients are already suffering the consequences, with access to GPs becoming a major concern for the public.

Conclusion: A Call to Action

The government has acknowledged the gravity of the situation, with a Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson admitting that the system is broken, leaving patients unable to access GPs while qualified doctors are unable to find work. While the government has taken steps to address the issue, including cutting red tape and increasing funding, experts argue that these measures are insufficient to resolve the crisis. The BMA and other medical organizations are urging the government to take bold and immediate action to prevent a two-tier healthcare system and ensure that patients receive the care they need. Without significant reforms, the NHS faces a bleak future, with GPs continuing to leave the system and patients bearing the brunt of the crisis.