As reported by Dispensing Doctor,The British Medical Association (BMA) has issued a stark warning about the future of general practice in England
The release of a new survey indicates that one in five GPs are planning to leave the profession due to a lack of available work.
In its first GP employment survey of 2024, which gathered responses from over 1,400 family doctors, the BMA found that 20% of GPs are actively considering changing careers. An additional 47% reported that they are re-evaluating their professional future, with many exploring alternative clinical roles outside the NHS (43%), opportunities to work abroad (40%), or exiting healthcare altogether (38%).
The findings reflect mounting pressure on general practice, where rising operational costs and chronic underfunding are making it increasingly difficult for practices to hire and retain essential staff. The BMA also criticised the Additional Roles Reimbursement Scheme (ARRS), noting that funding intended to support general practice has instead been redirected towards non-GP roles, further straining resources.
Alarmingly, 84% of locum GPs reported they were unable to secure work, and salaried GP positions are also becoming harder to find.
Dr Mark Steggles, chair of the BMA’s sessional GP committee, said: “Core funding needs to increase, and premises refurbished to accommodate the staff we need to keep up with patient demand. Without urgent action, we risk losing a vital segment of our general practice workforce.”
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