The Government says that it is on track to deliver 26,000 more primary care staff to help improve patient access to appointments.
There are now over 18,200 more people working in general practice in March 2022 compared to March 2019, and nearly 30,000 overall. This includes clinical pharmacists, mental health practitioners, nursing and physician associates, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, podiatrists and social prescribing link workers, who refer patients to community services to support their wellbeing.
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‘I am hugely grateful for the tireless work of GPs and primary care staff who act as the ‘front door’ to the NHS and provide advice and support to their patients. We have been working closely with the NHS to continue building the workforce and tackle the COVID backlog,’ said Health and Social Care Secretary Sajid Javid.
‘With over 18,200 more primary care staff already, we are on track to deliver 26,000 more by 2024, backed by record funding to help increase capacity and get patients the care they need more quickly.’
The government says that it will continue to support general practice and injected £520 million to improve access and expand GP capacity during the pandemic, on top of the previously announced £1.5 billion to fund general practice recruitment and retention schemes.
‘General practice is a brilliant place to work, at the very the heart of the NHS with the chance to make a difference every day in local communities helping people and their families stay in good health, and being there for people during difficult moments,’ said Dr Nikki Kanani, National Medical Director for Primary Care.
‘General practice staff have worked flat out over the pandemic and it’s fantastic 18,000 healthcare workers have joined general practice teams in just 3 years. With brilliant career prospects, there is no better time than now to apply – search ‘NHS careers’ to find the role for you.’