A study carried out by a Department of Health (DH) taskforce suggests that the NHS should offer a range of financial inducements to bolster the GP workforce and cut 2,000 hospital specialist training posts to finance a 15 per cent rise in GP trainees.

The report, Securing the Future GP Workforce, published earlier in July, has found that general practice now faces a workforce crisis that could put ‘unmanageable pressure’ on the wider NHS.

Included in its key proposals are devising financial incentives to attract and retain GPs and a decisive shift in training posts towards primary care in line with the weighted population.

According to the taskforce, it should be made easier and financially more attractive for medical schools to drive up the proportion of their intake choosing general practice, while the feasibility of more flexible rules for doctors wishing to return to practice should be assessed.

The taskforce suggests that NHS England and Health Education England should provide and fund a GP returner programme and should give renewed financial support and promotion of the GP retainer scheme.

Further recommendations include the setting up of networks for senior GPs, providing tailored educational and support activities, and facilitating opportunities for portfolio careers and balancing clinical with non-clinical commitments.

It also suggests the reintroduction of the flexible careers scheme, which provided salary contribution and professional support for doctors working less than full time in general practice.

Commenting on the report, a spokesperson for the DH said that the department is aware that GPs are working under pressure, which is why it has cut GP’s targets to free up time with patients. It is also increasing the number of trainees so that GP numbers continue to grow faster than the population.