Nicola Sturgeon announces rise in GP training

TRAINING posts for GPs are to rise by a third next year, going from 300 to 400, Nicola Sturgeon has announced.
Nicola Sturgeon was named Scotland's Politician of the Year for a record fourth time. Picture: Steven Scott TaylorNicola Sturgeon was named Scotland's Politician of the Year for a record fourth time. Picture: Steven Scott Taylor
Nicola Sturgeon was named Scotland's Politician of the Year for a record fourth time. Picture: Steven Scott Taylor

The First Minister said the rise was “partly to meet a growing demand for services” and also because more GPs are opting to work part-time instead of full-time.

Specialist GP training posts are open to those who have done at least seven years of medical school as well as foundation training.

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The Scottish Government hopes the move will result in a “more sustainable” GP workforce by 2019.

Ms Sturgeon also confirmed a scheme that encourages former GPs back into work is to be expanded.

She said: “The change will take place next year, meaning that from 2019 onwards, we will begin to see additional GPs in the community.”