Letter: Why young doctors are turning away from general practice
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.From Dr Richard O'Brien
Sir: The Government's reaction to the problem of recruiting GPs is smug and complacent. They seem unable to understand that they themselves have turned general practice into an undesirable career.
I have been a GP for only four years, yet already I feel demoralised and undervalued. Let me give you just one example of how the Government undermines our morale.
This year we will again have nearly pounds 800 taken out of our income as "clawback". This is money that GPs earned by meeting activity targets set by the Government as part of the new contract. The trouble is, it did not expect GPs to meet these targets, and it is taking the money back despite it having been earned in good faith by sheer hard work.
With treatment like this, can anyone be surprised that fewer people than ever want to become GPs?
Yours faithfully,
Richard O'Brien
Highbridge, Somerset
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments