Labour recruits 1500 new GPs in 6 months

Figures show the Labour government recruited 1,500 new GPs since October 2024, adding 225 across the Southeast. Recruitment was boosted thanks to reform and investment from the new government, which has added GPs to the Additional Roles Reimbursement Scheme – making it easier for practices to hire.

Red tape and cuts under the last government had been a brake on GP recruitment. Alongside adding GPs to the ARRS, the government has added £889 million on top of the GP budget.

This investment comes alongside new reforms to modernise general practice. GP surgeries must now allow patients to request appointments online throughout working hours from October. This will free up the phones for those who want to book over the phone, and make it easier for practices to triage patients based on medical need. More patients will also be able to book appointments with their regular doctor if they choose to.

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