Report confirms GP workforce problems

Report confirms GP workforce problems

The General Practitioner workforce is headed towards critical shortages, and this is confirmed by today’s report by the Royal New Zealand College of GPs, the New Zealand Medical Association said today.

The RNZCGP survey showed that many GPs were unsatisfied with their current work arrangements, and intended to cut back. If this trend continued, GP numbers would quickly erode, leaving fewer GP hours to see more patients. This in turn would impact on the GP workforce, causing burnout and still further retention issues.

“The RNZCGP report, which closely reflects similar NZMA research, should set alarm bells ringing throughout the health sector,” said NZMA Deputy Chair Dr Don Simmers, himself a GP.

“GPs are at the coalface of primary health care, which has been acknowledged as vital for maintaining the health of New Zealanders. GPs need to be supported and valued, in order to keep a strong viable workforce and to attract the necessary numbers of medical graduates into General Practice.

“Unfortunately, the situation with GPs is mirrored in many other medical specialties, as the medical workforce as a whole faces difficulties, “ Dr Simmers said. “The NZMA has long called on the Government for a comprehensive, strategic approach to ensure a robust medical workforce is available for the future viability of our health services.”

ENDS

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