Nearly 3,000 patients for every GP across Milton Keynes and surrounding areas

[Milton Keynes, 6 April] The analysis of NHS data has revealed that there are now an eye-watering 2,720 patients for every GP across Milton Keynes and the surrounding areas.

At the last general election, the Conservatives promised to recruit more GPs, however today's analysis reveals there are now almost 2,000 fewer fully qualified GPs in England compared to 2016.

Over the same period the number of GPs has fallen by 27 across Bedfordshire, Luton, and Milton Keynes.

Separate figures have found that there are 547 fewer GP surgeries in England compared to 2019. This includes a fall of 97 GP surgeries in the southeast over that period.

Councillor Jane Carr, Cabinet Member for Public Health, said:

"We need a return to proper local health services that people can rely on. Communities in Milton Keynes just want strong health services, but years of neglect has caused a GP shortage crisis. The Tories have failed to deliver what they promised, and now residents are suffering, leaving them unable to see their local doctor when they need to."

Liberal Democrat Leader Ed Davey launched the party's local election campaign last week with a pledge to recruit more GPs and give patients a legal right to see a GP within 7 days, or 24 hours in an emergency. This would be achieved through increasing training places for GPs, a programme to retain experienced doctors and staff, and launching a recruitment drive to encourage those who've left the NHS to return.