Most GPs are expecting their practice’ financial pressures to increase over the next five years, a survey has revealed.
The latest findings from the Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking Healthcare Confidence Index show that 95% of GPs are uncertain about their financial future.
However, this is an increase from last year, when 100% of GPs expected financial pressures to increase.
Also, a “lack of clarity” in how GPs are expected to deliver healthcare services means that just over a third (37%) are planning to bid to provide services under the new AQP criteria.
The number of GPs expecting more practice mergers, co-locations and/or larger practices to materialise over the next five years has risen to 91%, an uplift on the 77% from the last index.
Ian Crompton, head of healthcare, SME nanking, Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking, said: “Primary healthcare is experiencing unprecedented change, with some professions rising to the challenge and others wary of the ramifications on budgets and service provision.
“The development of larger practices and multi-purpose medical centres looks set to continue, and an element of competition is emerging as to which profession will provide the NHS services up for tender.
“GPs are in the driving seat to provide these services to local communities but given the scale of changes and continued uncertainty, many have yet to make the key decisions about their future strategy.”
The full survey results are available to view online.
