General practice faces a ‘ridiculous situation’, member GPs told NASGP’s chair and CEO at a workshop event last week.
“We’re now in this really ridiculous situation where there aren’t enough GPs, but at the same time we’re not getting anybody employed because of the contracting mechanisms,” one GP told attendees.
NASGP chair Dr Richard Fieldhouse and CEO Helen Holmes-Fogg hosted a workshop for GPs to give their perspectives on the NHS England 10-year plan as part of the national consultation.
- Participants emphasised the value of sessional/portfolio GPs and their flexibility in the NHS, and that they are a valuable resource, especially during crises or rise in demand.
- They also mentioned that they bring enthusiasm and fresh ideas into practice. (One participant noted that the NHS only seemed to remember them when there was a crisis).
- The importance of valuing those flexible workforce professionals was also discussed, with the need to push for recognition of their value to NHS England. One participant noted that their sessional work provides them with an important work-life balance, which they would not have if they were a GP partner – speaking from an experience of being one.
