Whole time equivalent general practitioner workforce: FOI release

Information requested

1) The current number of WTE GPs in 2022. In other words, documentation which shows an updated number of the current workforce rather than just the last workforce survey of 2019.

2) If the number can't be provided on the basis that a new workforce survey hasn't been conducted, please provide an explanation as to why this data isn't recorded more regularly.

Response

The most recent estimate for whole time equivalent of GPs can be found in the General Practice Workforce Survey 2019 which estimated that there were 3,613 GP whole time equivalents (WTE) in Scotland in 2019. The GP (excluding Specialist Trainees) WTE increased from an estimated 3,520 in 2017 to an estimated 3,613 in 2019, based on 8 sessions per week being one WTE. These are the most recent available published data for GP whole time equivalent due to impacts of the pandemic on surveys.

At the Health, Social Care and Sport Committee on 29 March 2022, the Cabinet Secretary undertook to look further at options for attaining and publishing whole-time equivalent data. Subsequently, he has commissioned NHS National Services Scotland (NSS) to run this important survey afresh, and the General Practice Workforce Survey 2022 issued to practices in week commencing 30 May 2022. The Scottish Government is making arrangements for this survey to take place on an annual basis in future.

About FOI

The Scottish Government is committed to publishing all information released in response to Freedom of Information requests. View all FOI responses at http://www.gov.scot/foi-responses.