GP Crisis

The increase in NHS A&E and GP waiting times is shameful. Last year just 29% of us were satisfied with the NHS which is a significant drop from the 2010 high of 70%. The fall was seen across all demographics and supporters of different political parties. All of us need a return to proper local health services. New figures revealed a fall in the number of GPs in Hampshire while patient numbers rise. There are now an eye-watering 2214 patients for every GP in Hampshire. This is up by 12% since 2016. At the last election, the Conservative party promised to recruit more GPs. However, there are now almost 2,000 fewer fully qualified GPs in England compared to 2016. The number of GPs has fallen by 55 GPs in Hampshire over the same time period. Furthermore, there are 547 fewer GP surgeries in England compared to 2019. This includes a fall of 97 GP surgeries in the South East over that period. Years of Government neglect has caused a GP shortage crisis. We need 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 have left the NHS to return. Boosting GP numbers would not only help people get appointments, it would reduce pressure on our hospitals and paramedics, saving crucial time and money elsewhere in the NHS. Patients are paying the price for years of neglect under this Conservative Government, who have broken their promise to recruit more GPs. It shows these out-of-touch ministers are taking local communities for granted. The local elections are a golden opportunity to send the Government a message they cannot ignore.