Liberal Democrats raise fears over Norfolk GP retirements

New analysis shows that 27pc of the county's GPs are aged 55 or over - sparking calls for the government to set out how it intends to recruit more people to the profession.

The Liberal Democrats carried out analysis of NHS figures, and found that, nationally, some 8,000 members of the current fully qualified workforce (22pc) are over 55 and 10pc are 60 or over.

Polling conducted last year by Pulse Today, an industry publication, showed around half – 47pc – of GPs intended to retire at around 60.

READ MORE: Survey reveals struggles to get Norfolk GP appointments

It comes ahead of the release of the government’s long-promised NHS workforce plan.

The Lib Dems have said the figures show the plan must include clear proposals to address GP retention and recruitment issues.

Steffan Aquarone, the Liberal Democrat's prospective parliamentary candidate for North Norfolk (Image: Alex Broadway)

Steffan Aquarone, Lib Dem prospective parliamentary candidate for North Norfolk, said: "North Norfolk is facing a GP retirement time bomb that would make it even harder to get an appointment when you need one.

"The government has neglected our local health services and broken their promise to recruit more GPs.

"There is no time to waste in finally recruiting the extra GPs this government promised before this crisis gets even worse."

READ MORE: Norfolk hospitals set for new £86m diagnostics centres

But a Department of Health and Social Care spokesman said: "There are more than 1,900 additional doctors in general practice compared to 2019, record numbers in training and we have made changes to pensions that incentivise our most experienced GPs to remain in general practice.

"We’ve delivered on our commitment to recruit 26,000 more primary care staff – such as pharmacists and paramedics, who work alongside doctors and nurses delivering direct patient care – a year early and our upcoming workforce plan which will help recruit and retain even more staff."