No Quick Fix For North East GPs

North East Doctors warn that our health services won't be fixed overnight, ahead of a ‘new deal’ for GPs to be announced later.

Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt is set to address waiting times, GP shortages, modernising services and about creating a seven day GP service.

But Dr George Rae, Chair of the North East British Medical Association said it’s going to be a huge challenge.

The main issue they face is early retirement for so many doctors that have ‘burned out’ and in turn a great struggle to recruit around 5,000 more GPs.

He’s calling for realistic solutions and a set time scale to deliver them.

“There is no way that this can actually be delivered overnight. It takes at least eight years to train a GP. Jeremy Hunt has got to be realistic; he’s got to show us exactly how it is that he’s going to deliver this.”

“It has got to be a very structured plan, something that will entice people to stay within the profession and also encourage younger doctors to come in. Now that is not an easy task for Jeremy Hunt but at the same time also it’s not something which is impossible if he sets his mind to it.”

“In general practice now this is the biggest crisis in my career and not only that, it’s the most prolonged. It has gone on now for two or three years and shows absolutely no signs at the present time of getting better.”