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Four in 10 GP partners ‘would go salaried for the right deal’

20th October 2023 by NASGP

Four in 10 GP partners ‘would go salaried for the right deal’

A new Pulse survey has found that GP partners are split over going salaried.

Of 408 GP partners who took part, some 43% said they would move from partner to salaried with the right deal on the table, while 44% would not.

Some partners told Pulse they were already in the middle of quitting. One told a report that she had quit a partnership for a zero-hours contract at the PCN.

The findings add to an ongoing debate in general practice over the increasing challenges of working as a GP partner.

Earlier this year Sir Keir Starmer called for more salaried GPs, and shadow health secretary Wes Streeting has admitted considering a salaried model for UK general practice.

The IPPR has also published a report proposing that GPs become ‘primary care consultants’.

Dr Richard Fieldhouse, NASGP chair, said: “So much of what we know about workplace culture and job satisfaction is linked to safety and productivity. Simply put, if we’re not enjoying our work, we will work less effectively, and that just puts more strain on everyone else around us.

“It’s a race to the bottom that no one wants, but many of our colleagues are unwittingly victims of this downward spiral of mounting responsibility and reduced control.

“It remains to be seen if moving to working as salaried – even with the right deal on the table – would lead to any better outcomes. The partnership role is nevertheless vital, and we call on the GPC to continue their work in protecting it. Meanwhile if any GPs are feeling burnt out and leave their posts, do get in touch.”

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"I fell into a salaried role post-CCT, so faced with an unexpected relocation to a completely new area of the country the thought of GP locuming was incredibly daunting.

The assistance I have received from NASGP has been invaluable. I have received excellent and patient admin support when setting up my LocumDeck account. I have enjoyed the monthly chambers meetings I have attended: this made locuming feel far less isolating.

I have easily found plentiful work and am grateful for the invoicing and pension forms being taken care of – this gives me time to focus on the clinical work or make the most of precious days off.

With the support of NASGP Locum Chambers I have filled my diary working in a variety of practices in my new area, and have now joined one practice I enjoyed locuming at on a salaried basis while I continue to do some locum work on top using LocumDeck."

Dr Joanne Wright, GP, Essex

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