Bognor GPs raise recruitment concerns with MP

GPs from Bognor Regis area surgeries have met the town's MP to raise their worries about the difficulties of recruiting new doctors.
From left: Dr Mark Weeks, Anjalie Rajapakse, Nick Gibb, Dr James Bramall, Karen Sallis, Dr Jacques Bosman and Dr Louise BaverstockFrom left: Dr Mark Weeks, Anjalie Rajapakse, Nick Gibb, Dr James Bramall, Karen Sallis, Dr Jacques Bosman and Dr Louise Baverstock
From left: Dr Mark Weeks, Anjalie Rajapakse, Nick Gibb, Dr James Bramall, Karen Sallis, Dr Jacques Bosman and Dr Louise Baverstock

Four GPs were among the six-strong contingent who got together with Nick Gibb to discuss the situation.

The doctors said they had concerns about their workload, the liabilities for partners in practices, changes to the taxation of pensions and the removal of seniority payments.

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They pointed out that many doctors preferred to become locums rather than taking on the increasing challenge of running practice or being a partner in a practice.

They also cited the fact many young doctors were seeking careers abroad in countries like Australia.

Mr Gibb, the Conservative MP for Bognor Regis and Littlehampton, said he would be taking the issues raised to the heart of the government.

“I am raising our local issues directly with the health secretary, Jeremy Hunt.

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“We are very fortunate in this area to have some first class doctors’ surgeries and GPs who are dedicated and caring professionals.

“As a town with a large number of retired and elderly people, it is important that our primary care service continues to be as well run as it is now.

“I was, therefore, concerned to hear about the problems our local surgeries are facing in recruiting new GPs.”

The meeting was held at Bersted Green Surgery in Durlston Drive at the invitation of Dr Mark Weeks.

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Also present were Dr James Bramall (Grove House Surgery, Rose Green), Dr Jacques Bosman (Bognor Regis Medical Centre), Dr Louise Baverstock (West Meads Surgery), Karen Sallis (Bersted Green practice manager) and Anjalie Rajapkse (medical student).

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