Norfolk patient group warns action is needed to recruit and retain more doctors
The BMA has found that the number of those retiring or resigning nationally has more than doubled since 2013
A Norfolk patient group is warning that immediate action is needed across the board to ensure we can recruit and retain more doctors.
It's after the British Medical Association found that the number of those retiring or resigning nationally has more than doubled in a decade.
The BMA union's calculated that, on average, it will now cost you well over £200,000 to become a doctor, in tuition fees alone.
"Is this something that people want?"
Alex Stewart is the Chief Executive of Healthwatch Norfolk
He says the cost of going into the profession is deterring many today, but admits it isn't the only issue the profession faces:
"Years ago people had scholarships and they also didn't necessarily have to pay for their tuition. Somebody who is qualifying as a medic now is going to be leaving University with substantial debt.
"Is this something that people want to have around their neck for a substantial part of their career?"
"Many are leaving due to personal reasons, such retirement or to return home to their country of origin. That being said others do leave because of bullying, or just due to complete burnout."
"We don't always need to see a GP"
Mr Stewart also told us we can all play our part to ensure these practitioners aren't under too much strain:
"We should be encouraging people to look at utilising all the other services that are available in general practice.
"We don't always need to see at GP. Frequently there's a diabetic nurse, practice nurse, physio or paramedic who are able to put us on the right path."
What has the Government said about this?
The Department for Health and Social Care says record numbers are now working the NHS and that there are discussions constantly on-going about how to make the NHS a better place to work.