Sustained decline in UK GP numbers
Across the UK, the number of GPs relative to the size of the population has fallen in a sustained way for the first time since the 1960s.
The report from the Nuffield Trust for the BBC found the fall in number of GPs has been particularly marked in certain regions of England such as North West London and the East of England.
These regions also have the lowest total number of GPs per 100,000 people, whereas Scotland has the highest.
The fall in GPs per person reflects insufficient numbers previously being trained and going on to join the NHS; failure to recruit enough from abroad; and more practitioners leaving for early retirement.
Published: by Radio NewsHub