General practice is in crisis. One in three training posts are empty,1 10% of GP positions are unfilled, and this is worsening daily.2 Practices are closing lists but this is deflecting pressure elsewhere, and with 25% of male GPs (many full time) over 55,3 the pressure is set to worsen. But there is no cavalry over the horizon. This situation has nothing to do with ‘the Tories’, nor the nastiness of the Daily Mail; its roots lie elsewhere.
There has been a big expansion in hospital consultant numbers, 40% in a decade.4 With increasing opportunities to work part time, currently 38% of female consultants choose to do so.4 The pay is good and there are opportunities to work privately, do …