Scottish GP numbers decline in latest year’s figures

The number of GPs in Scotland decreased slightly in the year ending March 2024, the latest statistics show.

As of March 31 there were 3,453.1 whole time equivalent (WTE) GPs in the country.

During the same period, the number of nurses in general practice increased by 0.5% to 1,710.3 WTE.

Figures from NHS Education for Scotland also showed the GP vacancy rate was down by 10.9% over the same period.

At 5,500, the number of GP sessions lost to sickness absence was up by 15%.

Commenting on the GP workforce survey, Scottish Labour’s health spokeswoman Dame Jackie Baillie said: “GPs play a vital role in early interventions, public health and taking pressure off hospitals, so this fall in staffing should alarm everybody.

“The SNP set targets to increase the number of GPs but they are clearly failing and meanwhile demand increases. No wonder patients struggle to get appointments.

“The SNP must work with practices to improve morale and working conditions so that GPs don’t burn out or turn away from the profession in the first place.

“Investing in recruitment and retention now will not only keep GP numbers up but save the taxpayer expensive locum fees.

“The UK Labour Government delivered a record Budget settlement to Scotland but it’s up to the SNP to ensure it reaches frontline services and primary healthcare.”

Health Secretary Neil Gray said: “GPs play a vital role in our health service, and we are working to increase the number of GPs by 800 by 2027.

“We are investing an additional £13.6 million in general practice this financial year to support GPs to retain and recruit key staff, and the Scottish Budget published last week will support GPs to increase capacity through record funding for the health service.

“I am determined that becoming a GP will remain an attractive career choice, which is why we are expanding the current fellowship offer to support early career GPs and we are commissioning NHS Education for Scotland to work with the profession to redesign the current GP retention scheme to improve support.

“While growing Scotland’s GP workforce requires continued and concerted effort, it is important to recognise that we have a higher number of GPs per head of population than the rest of the UK.”