One in three GPs in England do not work in NHS, says BMJ study

The Patients Association said the findings were ‘deeply distressing’ for patients who are often left frustrated by the time it takes to get a consultation with a GP. Photograph: Anthony Devlin/PA

One in three GPs in England do not work in the NHS, with increasing numbers seeking to move abroad or becoming a private contractor, deepening patients’ difficulties in getting appointments.

The proportion of family doctors who, although qualified, do not provide care through the NHS has risen from 27% in 2015 to 34% last year, according to a study published in the BMJ.