The Government have announced they’ve added almost 20,000 primary care staff since their pledge to supplement the primary care workforce with an extra 26,000 staff by 2024.
The recruitment campaign is being delivered with the aim of continuing to reduce the crippling backlog brought on by the pandemic.
The additional staff follow a £1.5bn investment to retain and recruit, as well as an extra £520m to improve access and expand GP capacity, with investment funnelled towards tackling backlog now totalling £39bn.
The recruited staff include clinical pharmacists, mental health practitioners, nursing and physician associates, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, podiatrists and social prescribing link workers.
Health and Social Care Secretary Sajid Javid said: “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.
“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.”
Over 1,400 more doctors were working in general practice last month compared to the same time in 2019, with a record-breaking number of GPs starting training last year as well.
The Government and NHS are continuing to roll out new service updates, as they look to tackle the backlog and ending the long patient waiting times, backed by a record £39bn investment over the next three years.
Dr Nikki Kanani, National Medical Director for Primary Care said: “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.
“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 three years. With brilliant career prospects, there is no better time than now to apply – search ‘NHS careers’ to find the role for you.”
More information about Government workforce development is available here.
