Dr Neil Hudson MP has welcomed news that there are 62 more doctors, nurses and other patient care staff working in general practice in Penrith and The Border. This includes roles such as dispensers, health care assistants, phlebotomists, pharmacists, physiotherapists, podiatrists, therapists and others.
Between March 2019 and March 2023, Penrith and The Border's general practice workforce increased by more than 44% from 139 to 201.
Dr Neil Hudson MP said:
"With more than 31,000 more patient care staff working in general practice across England that in 2019, I am proud of the Government's pronounced recruitment drive that will only seek to boost patient outcomes.
"Locally we've also had the incredible news that rural practices such as Alston, Upper Eden and Glenridding have been saved from closure due to Cumbria Health on Call utilising their diverse clinical workforce to support community GPs.
"Our Primary Care Recovery Plan is clearly progressing, and I look forward to continue fighting for public services locally."
Data published on GOV.UK give the change in staff numbers between March 2019 and March 2023. It includes Full Time Equivalent (FTE) modelled estimates for general practice doctors and nurses, plus other direct patient care staff including dispensers, health care assistants, phlebotomists, pharmacists, physiotherapists, podiatrists, therapists and others.
Good primary care is the foundation of an effective health system for patients and is the way that most people experience the NHS. Improving general practice supports the early identification of serious illnesses and the management of chronic conditions, while
also helping people to live healthier lives. In the Primary Care Recovery Plan and Long Term Workforce Plan the Government has committed to increasing the number of people working in general practice.
