James Evans says rural areas of Wales are desperately in need of more GPs. During a question to the First Minister in the Senedd, the Brecon and Radnorshire MS said some areas are facing an “escalating crisis” in primary care services. He said that Radnorshire has experienced “significant challenges” with funding, recruiting and retaining GPs. That’s leading to increased workloads for existing GPs and longer waiting times for patients. Video from Senedd.tv
00:00First Minister, you say you've put additional money into GPs, but there is an escalating crisis in primary care services across Wales, and most of them are in our GP services, especially within rural areas.
00:12In my constituency in Radnorshire, this area has experienced significant challenges with funding, recruiting and retaining GPs, and that's leading to increased workloads for existing GPs, longer waiting times for patients.
00:25A recent report highlighted that some practices are operating with one single GP, and others are at risk of closing altogether due to staff shortages.
00:35This situation not only compromises patient care, but it also, as you know, places additional strain on other parts of our healthcare system, including emergency services when patients cannot see their GP.
00:46So, given these pressing issues, what immediate and long-term strategy is this Welsh Government implementing to address the shortage of GPs in rural areas?
00:56And specifically, how does the Government plan to make these positions more attractive to new and existing practitioners?
01:02And I'd also like to know what support is being given to provide that we've got those GP services in these communities in the future.
01:09Does the Welsh Government talk a good game about providing funding for GPs, but they're actually on the ground?
01:14It doesn't seem to be coming through.
01:16Well, you might feel like that, but the fact is that 1.5 million people every single month are getting to see their GPs.
01:25That's the equivalent of half the population of Wales.
01:27So, somebody is getting a service somewhere.
01:31Now, I recognise that not everyone's getting a perfect service, and I recognise there's more to do,
01:36but over half the population equivalent is not a bad figure, and I'd like to pay tribute to the incredible work that our GPs are undertaking.
01:46We've seen a 13% increase in the number of salaried GPs in Wales, and you want us to recruit more.
01:56Well, we may be able to recruit more if you allowed us to try and recruit from abroad, but your leader doesn't want us to do that.
02:03So, you do have to decide which side you're on in relation to providing public services.
02:12Mike Hedges.
02:14Thanks, Dior, Clowers.
02:15Primary care via GP surgeries is a major prize.
