NHS crisis deepens after GPs slash hours by more than 10% despite soaring waiting lists

GPs have slashed their hours by more than ten per cent over the past decade, a study found.

Meanwhile NHS patient numbers are up and they have more illnesses, resulting in longer waiting times.

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The poll found doctors worked an average of 26 hours a week in 2022, down from 30 in 2015.

It included part-time GPs but not overtime hours.

There was also a 2.7 per cent drop in appointment hours but patient lists went up nine per cent.

The number of people with long-term illnesses also rose 32 per cent.

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Manchester University’s Dr Rosa Parisi told the British Journal of General Practice: “We fear GPs are unwilling or unable to face more intense day-to-day pressures.

"It is also down to early retirement, insufficient numbers of newly trained GPs and a lack of overseas recruitment.”

Male GPs were more likely to cut their hours.

Dr Parisi added: “Policies are desperately needed to incentivise them to work longer.”

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A separate poll said a third of people find it hard to contact a GP.

The Lib Dems say ten million this year have waited a month or more.