Service needs to match rising GP numbers

11.16.42am GMT Tue 26th Jan 2010

Liberal Democrat Health spokesman Ross Finnie says that while GP numbers have risen, the service they provide has remained unchanged.

Commenting, Mr. Finnie said:

“An increase in the number of GPs is of course to be welcomed, but it should come with a corresponding increase in service.

“For example, the number of practices providing out of hours care has remained static for the last 3 years.

“A higher ratio of GPs in deprived areas would help address the healthcare gap between rich and poor.

“The large increase in the number of GPs could make a real difference to patient care, if doctors are targeted to patient need.”