GP numbers fall by 4% in Southampton as Sunak visits to announce new policy

The Liberal Democrats have slammed Rishi Sunak for more empty promises, after figures reveal the number of GPs in Southampton has fallen by over 4% since the 2019 general election.

The new figures have been released as the Prime Minister visits his hometown of Southampton this morning to announce new government plans on GPs.

In Hampshire, Southampton and the Isle of Wight, the number of GPs has fallen by 36 between 2019 and March 2023, analysis by the Lib Dems has revealed. This is a fall of 4.3% over that period.

Across England, the number of GPs has fallen by almost 1,000 or 2.9% since 2019. The Liberal Democrats are calling on the Government to deliver 8,000 extra GPs if they are to have any chance of making their plans work.

Liberal Democrat Health Spokesperson Daisy Cooper MP said:

“This is yet another empty promise from a Conservative government that is running out of road and running out of ideas.

“People in Southampton and across the country are suffering the consequences of years of broken promises from the Conservatives. 

"Despite GPs seeing more and more patients, too many patients still find it almost impossible to get an appointment when they need one because this government has neglected local health services for years.

“We need a proper plan to recruit more GPs and pharmacists so people can finally access the care they deserve.”

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Notes to Editor

Analysis available here