Surveys show sharp rise in GP vacancies - Stunell

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Sun 21st Sep 2003

Following the shock resignation of three Stockport GPs last month, local MP, Andrew Stunell is now urging the Secretary of State for Health, John Reid to step in to halt the growing number of GP vacancies.

Department of Health figures show that there are 3,435 GP posts lying vacant across England and Wales.

Andrew Stunell said:

"The local GP is the cornerstone of the health service. Patients are waiting longer and longer and finding it difficult to get care out of hours. The government promised 30% more GPs by 2004. its not going to happen and meanwhile patients and and the remaining GPs face increasing stress and uncertainty. A target they have no chance of meeting. The Health Secretary's complacency on this is appalling."

According to Mr Stunell, "GPs must be freed from the red tape and pointless targets. There is a crisis in morale and Whitehall is doing nothing to improve patient care."

ENDS