Hundreds of GPs retiring early in NHS exodus 

Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Alex Cole-Hamilton MSP has today revealed that Scotland is losing hundreds of GPs every year to early retirement, despite people struggling to see their GP all across the country.

A freedom of information request submitted by the Scottish Liberal Democrats to the Scottish Public Pensions Authority revealed that of the 1,183 GPs who have taken their pension since 2020, just 25 waited until the state pension age (SPA) to do so.

It comes as the most recent General Practice Workforce Survey 2024 found a sharp fall in the number of GPs across Scotland, with the rate of sickness absences up 15% from 2023.

Mr Cole-Hamilton said:

“When so many GPs are retiring early, it’s little wonder people are struggling to get an appointment, with some phoning their surgeries hundreds of times a day and often getting nowhere.

“Right now, GPs feel burnt out, overwhelmed and under immense pressure. There’s no real incentive for them to stay and if the chance comes to leave, they’re keen to take it.

“Scottish Liberal Democrats have repeatedly urged SNP ministers to address the crisis in primary care, so I am pleased that our efforts have secured £14 million more for general practice.

“Now, the Scottish Government must ensure this money is spent on measures that will help, such as recruiting specialists in pharmacy, physiotherapy and mental health to work alongside GPs. That’s how we can ease their workloads, make it easier for them to see patients and get more people swift access to the local health care they need.”