Councillors are calling for a 'return to proper local health services,' following the release of new NHS data.
New NHS data has revealed that there are 2,720 patients for every GP across Milton Keynes and the surrounding areas.
The Lib Dem party are now calling for a 'recruitment drive' to encourage those who have left the NHS to return.
Local Liberal Democrat Councillor Jane Carr has called for a "return to proper local health services." Over the same period as the figures released, the number of GPs has fallen by 27 across Bedfordshire, Luton, and Milton Keynes.
"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," a Milton Keynes Liberal Democrat spokesperson has said.
Last month, Sky News reported that following a survey of 2,649 GPs, 27% said their practice was at risk of closing, with nine in ten blaming unmanageable workloads, rising demand and staff leaving the sector.
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.
