Lib Dems call for a return to “proper local health services” as figures show surge in patients per GP across Devon
At the last election, the Conservative party promised to recruit more GPs. However, today’s analysis reveals there are now almost 2,000 fewer fully qualified GPs in England compared to 2016.
The analysis shows that there are now 1,960 patients for every GP in Devon, up by 16% since 2016, while the number of GPs has fallen 59 GPs across Devon over the same time period.
Separate figures uncovered by the Liberal Democrats have found that there are 547 fewer GP surgeries in England compared to 2019. This includes a fall of 49 GP surgeries across the South West over that period.
Liberal Democrat Leader Ed Davey launched the party’s local election campaign this week with a pledge to recruit more GPs and give patients a legal right to see a GP within 7 days, or 24 hours in an emergency.
This would be achieved through increasing training places for GPs, a programme to retain experienced doctors and staff, and launching a recruitment drive to encourage those who’ve left the NHS to return.
The party is also calling for a rescue plan for social care, including setting a higher minimum wage for carers to tackle staff shortages and ensuring no one has to sell their home to pay for care.
Liberal Democrat MP for Tiverton & Honiton Richard Foord said:
“We need a return to proper local health services. People across East and Mid Devon want to see strong local healthcare services, but years of Government neglect has meant some people struggle to get a GP appointment when they need one - caused by a shortage of doctors.
“Liberal Democrats would put a new focus on recruiting new GPs locally and would enable people to get an appointment within one week. This will ensure people can get the care they deserve.
“Boosting GP numbers would not only help people get appointments; it would reduce pressure on our hospitals and paramedics, while also saving crucial time and money elsewhere in the NHS.
“This May’s local elections offer us a golden opportunity to send the Government a message they cannot ignore. Electing more Liberal Democrat Councillors will give you a strong local champion who will stand up for our communities.”
Liberal Democrat Leader Ed Davey MP added:
“Patients are paying the price for years of neglect under this Conservative Government, who have broken their promise to recruit more GPs. It shows ministers are taking local communities for granted.
“It’s time these out-of-touch ministers made good on their promises to hire more doctors, cut waiting times and cleared the backlog.”
<hr/>