Lib Dems call for a return to “proper local health services” as figures show surge in patients per GP in Medway and Kent.
Liberal Democrats have called for a return to proper local health services, after new figures revealed a fall in the number of GPs in Kent and Medway while patient numbers rise.
The analysis shows that there are now an eye-watering 2,679 patients for every GP in Kent and Medway. This is up by 18% since 2016.
At the last election, the Conservative party promised to recruit more GPs. However, today’s analysis reveals there are now almost 2,000 fewer fully qualified GPs in England compared to 2016. The number of GPs has fallen by 18 GPs in Kent and Medway.
Liberal Democrat Leader Ed Davey launched the party’s local election campaign this week with a pledge to recruit more GPs and give patients a legal right to see a GP within 7 days, or 24 hours in an emergency.
Commenting, Alan Wells, Liberal Democrat Spokesperson and candidate for Strood Rural said: "We need a return to proper local health services. People in Medway just want strong local health services but years of Government neglect has caused a GP shortage crisis, leaving people unable to see their local doctor when they need to.
This local election is a golden opportunity to send the Government a message they cannot ignore, and elect a strong local champion who will stand up for our health services.”
ENDS
Notes to Editors
Full analysis from the Liberal Democrats is available here.
The number of active GP surgeries has fallen by 547 in England since January 2019. Official Government data shows the number of ‘Open Active GP Surgeries’, the reason for closures is not given. Some of this data may include “mergers”, however other recent studies have also proven hundreds of GP practices closing across the country in recent years.
Sources:
Number of Practices Source: NHS Digital - Appointments in General Practice - 2023 - Tab 3a
Number of Practices Source: NHS Digital - Appointments in General Practice - 2019 - Tab 3a