Almost two-thirds (62%) of GPs say they are likely to increase private work following the introduction of this year’s imposed GP contract, according to a survey.
Research by financial services provider Wesleyan found that over a quarter (27%) of GPs already undertake private work, with a further third (33%) planning to start within the next year.
Nearly two-thirds (62%) of GPs said the new contract makes them more likely to increase private work, while 46% said it makes them more likely to take on non-clinical roles.
The poll revealed that the key factors driving doctors towards private work and alternative roles include higher earning potential (55%), better work-life balance (48%) and greater flexibility over where and when they work (38%).
Alongside the shift toward private work, a broader retention challenge was revealed by the survey of 500 GPs, conducted in 16-23 March by OnePoll.
It found that 30% of GPs plan to work overseas at some point in their career, citing better pay, career development opportunities and improved working conditions’
Alec Collie, head of medical at Wesleyan, said: ‘GPs are sending a clear message that they want greater flexibility, improved work-life balance and opportunities to increase their income.
‘The new contract is accelerating this trend, with more doctors considering private work alongside their NHS commitments.’
In late March, the GP contract for this financial year was rejected by the profession after it was imposed by the Government.
The BMA is undertaking collective action against it.
Mr Collie said that many GPs were ‘building portfolio careers that combine NHS work with private practice and other professional interests’.
But, he said, portfolio careers ‘come with real complexity, such as multiple tax structures, pension arrangements across different schemes, administrative burden’.
‘If increasing numbers of doctors feel they need to look outside traditional NHS roles to achieve sustainable and rewarding careers, it raises important questions about the future shape of general practice and whether the support exists for GPs to build these careers successfully within the UK,’ said Mr Collie.
A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson said: ‘The NHS, including general practice, will always remain free at the point of use. This survey of just 500 GPs is not representative of our 40,000 strong GP workforce delivering for patients up and down the country.
‘This government has recruited 2,000 more GPs and delivered a £600 million contract uplift this year, focused on improving access for patients, cutting bureaucracy so GPs spend more time with patients, and bringing back the family doctor.’
