§ Brian CotterTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what action the Government are taking to increase the number of general practitioners in the Weston Area Health Trust. [142492]
§ Ms Rosie WintertonWe are committed to increasing the general practitioner (GP) work force and have introduced a range of measures to improve GP recruitment and retention. These include financial incentives to new and returning GPs and older GPs who delay their retirement from the national health service, flexible retirement options, a GP Returners Campaign and the Flexible Career Scheme which will help to create additional part-time and flexible posts within general practice.
We have also substantially increased the number of GP Registrars (GPRs)—the GPs of the future and we expect GPR numbers to grow further this year and beyond.
I am advised that North Somerset Primary Care Trust is working closely with all practices to provide flexible packages to encourage GPs into the area.