Lib Dems call for action as local GP ratios get even worse

The Liberal Democrats have called for a return to proper local health services, after new figures revealed a fall in the number of GPs in West Sussex while patient numbers rise.

The analysis shows that there are now an eye-watering 2400 patients for every GP in West Sussex. This is up by more than 15% since 2016.

The Conservative party has promised more us GPs. But it seems they’re leaving faster than they can be recruited, because the total number has actually fallen by 35 in West Sussex since the last election.

Separate figures uncovered by the Liberal Democrats have found that there are 547 fewer GP surgeries in England compared to 2019. This includes a fall of nearly 100 GP surgeries in the wider South East region.

Liberal Democrat Leader Ed Davey launched the party’s local election campaign this week with a pledge to recruit more doctors 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. 

The party is also calling for a rescue plan for social care, including setting a higher minimum wage for carers to tackle staff shortages and ensuring no one has to sell their home to pay for care. 

Commenting Liberal Democrat Spokesperson John Milne for Horsham said:  

“It’s getting harder and harder to see a GP in West Sussex. Years of Government neglect has caused a crisis, and the government’s bad relations with doctors is making things even worse. 

“The Lib Dems would guarantee people a right to a GP appointment within one week so people can get the care they deserve. Boosting GP numbers would not only help people get appointments, it would reduce pressure on our hospitals and paramedics, saving crucial time and money elsewhere in the NHS.

“This local election is a golden opportunity to send the Government a message they can’t ignore.”

Liberal Democrat Leader Ed Davey MP added:  

“Patients are paying the price for years of neglect under this Conservative Government, who have broken their promise to recruit more GPs. It shows ministers are taking local communities for granted.

“It’s time these out-of-touch ministers made good on their promises to hire more doctors, cut waiting times and cleared the backlog.”