Some 84% of GPs responding to a new BMA survey want to work more sessions, a new BMA survey on the sessional GP workforce crisis has revealed.
On average from 1,852 GPs polled, respondents report working on average a day less a week than in 2022.
A third of GPs responding said they have made ‘definite’ plans to change their work or career path due to the ongoing crisis. More than 50% expect to make changes in the next year and 31% planning for change say they plan to leave the NHS entirely.
Among respondents who can still find work, 83% felt they did not have enough time in sessions to provide safe and thorough care, and 31% reported having to work beyond their contract to meet clinical standards.
One GP in Dorset told the BMA: “I’m a single mum with a child who has special needs and I thought if I studied hard, worked hard and dedicated myself to the NHS then I’d be able to provide for myself and my children. But after nearly 30 years of service, I’ve been driven out.”
A GP in London said: “I ended up applying for nearly 30 positions, received only three interviews, and fortunately secured one job. Honestly, I feel lucky to have found a job, as I know many have not.”
Dr Richard Fieldhouse, NASGP chair, said: “In another timely survey from the BMA, at a time when we know that patients are struggling to get GP appointments, GPs reveal their desire for work, and to work more hours, but somehow are just not being appointed.
“But on the other hand, NASGP’s own data from parts of the country using our synchronous, real-time booking system LocumDeck, the number of sessions booked is up 15% compared to last year.
“Practices need more support in hiring substantive GPs, and regions that are struggling with patient access need to deploy smarter methods for booking GP locums to ensure primary care services do not suffer any further.”