Why Are More Gps Opting to Work Outside the Nhs?

The NHS and Beyond: Why GPs are Leaving the Fold

Why are more general practitioners (GPs) opting to work outside the National Health Service (NHS)? It’s a question that resonates not just in England but across healthcare systems worldwide. The answer lies in the relentless pressure, time constraints, and the quest for better work-life balance.

The Inside Story

Girgis-Hanna, a seasoned GP, splits her week between NHS and private consultations. “I could not work as a full-time NHS GP,” she laments. “The days I do in the NHS, the next day I’m totally wiped out… You just don’t have time to even go to the toilet.” Her words echo those of many colleagues who feel overburdened by the sheer volume and complexity of their daily tasks.

According to BBC analysis of Care Quality Commission (CQC) data, the number of doctors registering for private practice has surged. The 2024 LaingBuisson report estimates that 13% of GP consultations are now private, a significant jump from just 3% in the early 2000s.

The Numbers Game

Between 2024 and 2025, new registrations for independent consulting doctors in England increased by 58%. This translates to 1,238 new registrations over five years, compared with only 396 in the previous period. The rise is a clear indicator of growing dissatisfaction among GPs.

Independent consulting doctors provide medical care privately, outside the NHS, either in person or online.

They cover a wide range of specialties, from general practice to skin complaints and aesthetics. But why are patients willing to pay for this private service?

Patient Perspectives

Vanessa Ravazzotti, 51, explains her preference: “Mentally, it’s better. I don’t have the anxiety of waiting.” Ian Miller, 85, adds, “You immediately get down to the problem because you have that familiarity.” Their experiences highlight the efficiency and personal attention patients receive in private consultations.

Janet Tomlin, 79, opted for private care due to difficulty getting an NHS appointment. “If you’ve got some money and you want to be sorted out, especially when you’re older, it makes sense,” she says. Private practice allows for continuity and a more relaxed atmosphere, which can be particularly beneficial for the elderly or those with chronic conditions.

The BMA’s Perspective

Dr Diana Hunter of the British Medical Association (BMA) is blunt: “The fact that more patients are choosing private care says to me there’s a problem with NHS general practice.” She argues that while the government aims for same-day appointments, many patients still face long wait times. The BMA had lobbied for increased funding but received only a £485m uplift instead of the requested £2.5bn.

Health Secretary Wes Streeting counters by saying, “We’re fixing the front door to the NHS.” Yet, many GPs remain conflicted, knowing private practice can help prevent burnout and keep them in the profession.

The Future Looks Uncertain

As the trend towards private practice continues, it poses questions about the future of primary care within the NHS. Will this divide widen, or will reforms bring GPs back into the fold? Only time will tell. For now, more and more doctors are choosing to work outside the NHS, driven by a desire for better balance and patient satisfaction.