Local Member of Parliament, Kate Kniveton, has welcomed news that there are 75 more doctors, nurses and other patient care staff working in general practice in Burton and Uttoxeter, representing a 69% increase. This includes roles such as dispensers, health care assistants, phlebotomists, pharmacists, physiotherapists, podiatrists, therapists and others.
Commenting, Kate Kniveton MP said:
“I am delighted that we have seen an increase of 69% in the number of patient care staff working in general practice across Burton and Uttoxeter since March 2019. It is critical to a strong NHS that we have a resilient primary care sector, our first line of defence against illness and for improving prevention.
“Residents want to receive care as locally as possible to them and this increase in the number of patient care staff, along with the Government’s Long Term Workforce Plan, will ensure improved experience for those accessing treatment in Burton and Uttoxeter.”
Data published on GOV.UK gives the change in staff numbers between March 2019 and March 2023. It includes Full Time Equivalent (FTE) modelled estimates for general practice doctors and nurses, plus other direct patient care staff including dispensers, health care assistants, phlebotomists, pharmacists, physiotherapists, podiatrists, therapists and others.
Good primary care is the foundation of an effective health system for patients and is the way that most people experience the NHS. Improving general practice supports the early identification of serious illnesses and the management of chronic conditions, while also helping people to live healthier lives. In the Primary Care Recovery Plan and Long Term Workforce Plan the Government has committed to increasing the number of people working in general practice.
