GP survey reveals frustration and recruitment fears

1.21.32pm GMT Mon 27th Nov 2006

A state of the nation survey of Wales' GPs has revealed high levels of frustration with bureaucracy, and that some additional services are being cut back by cash-strapped local health boards.

It also reveals the fears GPs have for the future of their profession, and the ability to attract top quality doctors in the future.

Jenny Randerson AM, Welsh Liberal Democrat spokesperson on health, revealed the findings after she sent a survey to every GP practice in Wales. The survey sought to find out whether the new GP contract had changed things for the better or worse.

Jenny Randerson said: "The new GP contract was introduced to allow GPs to expand the services they offered in the community. Yet for many GPs the experience has been exactly the opposite.

"Increased bureaucracy, limitations of surgery premises, and a lack of investment from local health boards have prevented the full potential being realised. Some have even lost services they used to provide.

"I am also alarmed at the recruitment problems that GPs reported. This is a potential health time bomb. Many current GPs are nearing retirement age and if we can't get the incentives right - whether it be child care provision, golden hellos or more attractive working premises - we won't have enough doctors to provide the first class services we all want to see.

"It is hard to imagine how the goals of 'Designed for Life' can be achieved until there is a much stronger steer from the Welsh Assembly Government (WAG) forcing LHBs to give the prominence to Primary care which the WAG has promised.

"Primary Care is the gateway to the health service. For many of us, it's the only health service we need. We have to ensure that the first line of health defence is also our first priority."

Notes:

Downloadable copies of the survey will be available in the policy section of the website this afternoon. www.welshlibdems.org.uk

Contact/Cyswllt: Gareth Price 07976 898285