Scottish GP vacancy rate now only one -third of that in non-Scottish parts of UK

johnrobertson834

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(c) Rex

Based on a survey by the GP magazine, Pulse, the Independent reported today:

‘GP vacancies (in England) rise to record levels despite recruitment pledge, survey suggests. Long patient waits and unsafe, rushed appointments are unlikely to end any time soon as vacancies have risen from 9.1 per cent to 15.3 per cent since the (UK) government pledged 5 000 more doctors.’

https://www.independent.co.uk/news/health/gp-vacancy-nhs-70-doctors-waiting-times-appointments-patient-safety-a8433596.html

In sharp contrast, the GP vacancy rate in Scotland was only 5.6% at the end of 2017.

http://www.isdscotland.org/Health-Topics/General-Practice/Publications/2018-03-06/2018-03-06-PCWS2017-Report.pdf

While this difference will have multiple causes, perhaps these are major explanatory factors:

Scottish GP Contract rated ‘far superior’ by BMA, introduced today, to strengthen patient care

SNP act to maintain Scotland’s competitive advantage in GP staffing and satisfaction

Scottish Government funds new initiative to reduce planned waiting times in the wake of BMA praise for its new GP contract and illustrating what the Nuffield Trust called ‘a unique system of improving the quality of health care.’

Already the best staffed and least stressed in the UK, Scottish GPs to get better contracts

SNP Government invests £2.5million so that GPs have more time with patients

SNP Government to invest £71.6 million to improve on what is already the best-staffed and the most contented primary care system (GPs) in the UK and perhaps beyond

Also, this suggests the vacancy rate in Scotland, while regrettable, is not critical:

In the Scotsman today, 93% of Scottish patients get appointment with GP within 2 days!

 

5 thoughts on “Scottish GP vacancy rate now only one -third of that in non-Scottish parts of UK”

  1. Pingback: Scottish GP vacancy rate now only one -third of that in non-Scottish parts of UK | speymouth
  2. John July 6, 2018 / 9:23 am

    Despite healthcare being devolved , yesterday in Westminster Douglas Ross MP for Moray , (the one that likes to run around with a whistle on a football pitch ) , called on Angela Leadsom , Leader of the House , to have a debate on the NHS . Now you can bet your bottom dollar he was not wanting this debate to criticise the English health service , he was hoping to get a debate to hammer the Scottish Health Service and Scottish Government because in his area , despite numerous attempt’s ,and searching the length and breadth of the UK and elsewhere , Highlands and Islands are having difficulties in recruiting a doctor because of it’s rural location . That’s your Scottish Tories for you , ignore what is devolved , ignore the hard work being put in by the Scottish Health Service to get a doctor ,do anything to say SNP Baad . What does he think Westminster can do the Scottish Health Service can’t , are Westminster hiding doctors up their sleeves ! .

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  3. tcrosbie20 July 6, 2018 / 9:31 am

    Loving your stuff Prof, keep up the good work. Its great to know that there are people like yourself and other similar blogs reporting the stuff the BBC should be reporting. Utterly shameful organisation.

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