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GP Induction and Refresher Scheme explained

24 April 2015

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A new programme to get doctors into general practice has been launched with the backing of the Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP), NHS England, Health Education England and the British Medical Association (BMA).

The Induction and Refresher scheme is part of the GP workforce 10-point action plan, which is supported by £10m NHS England funding, and focuses on recruiting new GPs, retaining current GPs and helping returning GPs.

It will provide an opportunity for GPs who have previously been on the General Medical Council register and on the NHS England National Performers List (NPL), to safely return to General Practice after a career break, raising a family or time spent working abroad.

It also supports the safe introduction of overseas GPs who have qualified outside the UK and have no previous NHS experience.

Dr Maureen Baker, chair of the Royal College of GPs, said: “It costs nearly £250,000 to train a GP so it is an absolute travesty for patients and a huge waste of public money if we then lose them to the profession as a result of red tape and out-dated regulations.

“Getting skilled and experienced GPs back into the profession as quickly and seamlessly as possible after a career break has long been a priority for the College and for me personally, so the proposals announced today are very encouraging.”

See more information here