Significant barriers still exist for GPs trying to return from work abroad.1 Making an independent application to reapply to the MPL is racked with delays, not least because several private bodies need to be contracted in order to meet the requirements. It is exceedingly difficult to achieve this in under 3 months, meaning that returned GPs often exceed the 2-year cut-off period and are then required to go through the induction and refresher scheme, causing more delays. Even on an accelerated scheme, a GP is unlikely to be able to get back to unsupervised practice within 6 months of returning.
Funding bodies need to concentrate on streamlining the process for those who have already decided to return by, for example, creating a supportive body to help returning GPs with the MPL application. Hospital doctors have dedicated HR teams that are able to process compliance paperwork within days. If this system does not become more navigable and efficient there is a real risk that potential returning NHS GPs will either stay away or decamp to alternative specialty work. Online medical forums have already shown this to be happening.
- © British Journal of General Practice 2019
