One-Third of Licensed GPs in England Not Practicing in NHS General Practice

Recent research published by The BMJ reveals that approximately one in three licensed general practitioners (GPs) in England are not engaged in NHS general practice, despite increasing demand for primary care services. The study highlights a significant shift in the medical workforce, with many newly qualified GPs opting out of NHS practice or leaving within their first decade of qualification.

Since 2015, the overall number of patients per full-time NHS GP has risen by 15%, indicating a growing workload. By the end of 2024, the ratio of NHS patients for each GP had doubled compared to 2015. The proportion of licensed GPs not working in NHS settings increased from 27% in 2015 to 34% in 2024, which translates to over 19,900 GPs out of practice currently, up from 13,500 in 2015.

The data shows that this trend is particularly pronounced among female GPs, younger practitioners, UK-qualified doctors, and those working in London and the South East. Interestingly, while the NHS has gained approximately 4.3 full-time equivalent consultants per five licensed specialist doctors, the GP workforce has seen a decline.

Workforce shortages are driven by high workloads, increasing patient demands, and insufficient time for GPs to perform their duties effectively. These factors contribute to attrition, leading to a widening gap between primary and secondary healthcare capacity. As a result, the number of NHS patients per GP has increased, straining the primary care system and challenging the government’s goal of strengthening community-based care.

Despite some recent rises in fully qualified GPs since January 2025, experts emphasize that addressing underlying workforce issues is essential. The findings underscore the need for comprehensive strategies to improve recruitment, retention, and working conditions for GPs to realize the envisioned transformation of NHS primary care.

source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-09-gps-england-nhs-general.html