3 days Ago By Sam Blanchard
GPs have slashed their hours by more than ten per cent over the past decade, a study found. Meanwhile NHS patient numbers are up and they have more illnesses, resulting in longer waiting times. 1 GPs have slashed their hours by more than ten per cent over the past decade, despite soaring waiting lists Credit: Alamy The poll found doctors worked an average of 26 hours a week in 2022, down from 30 in 2015.
It included part-time GPs but not overtime hours. There was also a 2.7 per cent drop in appointment hours but patient lists went up nine per cent.
The number of people with long-term illnesses also rose 32 per cent. READ MORE ON THE NHS BED DREAD NHS doctor shares 'brain shuffling' method to fall asleep 'in under five minutes' SUMMER CRISIS NHS waiting lists rise for third month in a row after ‘irresponsible’ strikes Manchester University’s Dr Rosa Parisi told the British Journal of General Practice: “We fear GPs are unwilling or unable to face more intense day-to-day pressures. "It is also down to early retirement, insufficient numbers of newly trained GPs and a lack of overseas recruitment.
” Male GPs were more likely to cut their hours. Dr Parisi added: “Policies are desperately needed to incentivise them to work longer.” Most read in Health PRESS PAUSE Prescribing masturbation could ease symptoms for 36% of women in menopause VIRAL THREAT Student, 24, dies of 'brain-swelling' virus as officials rush to find contacts LISTEN UP! Millions of Brits are clueless when it comes to common cause of dementia FOOD FOR THOUGHT Even the occasional ready meal 'increases risk of silent killer by 17%' A separate poll said a third of people find it hard to contact a GP.
The Lib Dems say ten million this year have waited a month or more. Labour's Wes Streeting on NHS waiting times and staff retention.
