Lib Dems call for a return to ‘proper local health services’ as figures show surge in patients per GP in Somerset

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 Somerset while patient numbers rise.

The analysis shows that there are now 2,100 patients for every GP in Somerset, up by 25% since 2016.

At the last election, the Conservative Party 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. 

The number of GPs has fallen by 53 in Somerset over the same time period.

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 49 GP surgeries in the South West over that period.

Liberal Democrat Leader Ed Davey launched the party’s local election campaign this 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. 

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. 

Gideon Amos, Liberal Democrat Parliamentary candidate for Taunton and Wellington, said: “We need a return to proper local health services.

“People in Somerset just want strong local health services but years of Government neglect has caused a GP shortage crisis, leaving people unable to see their local doctor when they need to. 

“Liberal Democrats 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.

“Electing the fantastic volunteers, who’ve stepped forward to be part of a LibDem team to champion Taunton, would also be a massive opportunity to send a clear message to the Government, which they cannot ignore, that we will stand up for our health services”. 

Ed Davey 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.”