MP urges Government to get a grip after 18% drop in number of GPs in Cumbria and North Lancashire

Local MP Tim Farron is demanding ministers invest in GP services after the number of doctors in Cumbria and North Lancashire has fallen by over 18% during the past six years.

Figures from the House of Commons Library show that the number of GPs in Cumbria and North Lancashire has plummeted from 404 in September 2015 to 331 in June 2021.

It comes as many people are struggling to book an appointment with their GP, with services increasingly under pressure from rising demand.

Further analysis by the British Medical Association (BMA) shows a dismal picture overall for GPs, with there being the equivalent of over 1,900 fewer fully qualified, full-time GPs now than there were in 2015.

Tim said: "The worsening GP shortage has given rise to a postcode lottery, with our hard-working doctors overstretched and people left waiting too long for treatment or even an appointment.

"Having worked tirelessly throughout this pandemic and to roll out the life-saving vaccines, GPs now find themselves being subjected to shameful abuse with no support from ministers.

"Rather than slagging off our hard-working GPs in the press, the Government should be investing in training up more doctors, to ensure patients get the fair deal they deserve."