Health Education England (HEE) have today revealed that more than 4,000 trainee GPs have been accepted on placements, bolstering the workforce in this time of great need.
HEE are the organisation responsible for recruiting, educating, and ultimately training the healthcare workforce – also part of their duties is providing training placements for would-be GPs.
The latest figures mean that HEE have met the Government target for GP speciality trainee recruitment for the fifth year in a row.
For the last five years, the GP recruitment statistics were:
- In 2022, 4,032 GPs recruited – the Government target was 4,000
- In 2021, 4,001 GPs recruited – the Government target was 4,000
- In 2020, 3,793 GPs recruited – the Government target was 3,500
- In 2019, 3,540 GPs recruited – the Government target was 3,500
- In 2018, 3,473 GPs recruited – the Government target was 3,250
Professor Simon Gregory, Medical Director, Primary and Integrated Care at HEE, said: “I am delighted that so many doctors have accepted their offer on GP specialty training programmes across England.
“There is no denying that it is a difficult time for the profession, with GPs under growing pressure as demand increases – but it is heartening that thousands of doctors are continuing to see general practice as a rewarding and valuable career.
“We have consistently met or exceeded annual GP training targets and initiatives like the national Choose GP campaign demonstrate our ongoing commitment to helping to provide a sustainable workforce.”
Its through the Choose GP campaign that HEE are able to recruit foundation year doctors, locally employed or trust grade doctors, and consultants who are seeking a change in profession.
As of September 2022, NHS Digital figures show that there are almost 10,000 GPs in training grade in placements across the country.
Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, Steve Barclay, said: “GPs make a real difference to communities and I am delighted that once again we have hit our recruitment target and more medical students are choosing a career as a GP.
“This pipeline of talent will strengthen our growing primary care workforce helping patients get appointments and access the right service at the right time.
“I am hugely appreciative to GPs and their teams for all the hard work they do every day in caring for us and our loved ones.”
