FEATURE: NHS says '˜steps in place to increase GP numbers'

Di Pegg, head of primary care for NHS England in Lincolnshire, told the paper steps were being taken to encourage more GPs to the area - including offering a £20,000 bursary.
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She said: “Ensuring patients have access to safe, quality care is our priority.

NHS England continues to work in partnership with the Local Medical Committee, the Lincolnshire Clinical Commissioning Groups and GP practices in the county to find a range of local solutions to address the healthcare workforce issues.

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“We are acutely aware of the pressures GPs are facing and warmly welcome the recent publication of the General Practice Forward View and its significant investment in primary medical care services. This document outlines a range of measures to support general practice across a number of areas including GP recruitment, broader skill mixing, and assistance around the infrastructure to help to address capacity, together with exploring different ways of working.

“Support is already in place to assist struggling practices and take action to increase the number of GPs by 5,000 nationally over the next five years, through new incentives for training, recruitment, retention and return to practice.

“The recruitment to the Vocational Training Scheme for doctors in Lincolnshire has nearly doubled from 12 placements last year to 22 this year and this is excellent news. Health Education England is also offering prospective GP trainees a £20,000 bursary to work within Lincolnshire.

“Lincolnshire commissioners are committed to creating a satisfying and rewarding career in general practice in order to provide patients with the highest quality of care.”

l The Department of Health did not meet our deadline for a response.