Rural Forum

Our aims 

• Represent rural and remote GPs, and promote rural issues inside and outside the College faculties
• Encourage rural GPs to engage with the College
• Advance the College's objectives in rural practice
• Facilitate communication and networking of rural doctors in the UK
• Support the professional development of rural GPs
• Promote remote and rural issues at appropriate levels, engaging with the profession and managers and informing political debate.

Group outputs

Changing practice, one thought at a time

National Centre for Remote and Rural Medicine Conference
4-5 June 2025 | North Lakes Hotel and Spa, Ullswater Road, Penrith, CA11 8QT

Join the National Centre for Remote and Rural Medicine Conference 2025 to connect with a dynamic group of healthcare professionals dedicated to improving patient care in remote and rural areas. This event offers a unique opportunity to explore practical strategies for integrating compassion and mental wellbeing into healthcare practices. Hear from leading experts, share insights with peers, and get inspired by the rewards of working in rural settings. For more information on the conference schedule and booking details, visit the University of Lancashire website.

Find out why our Rural Forum group members love working in rural GP

Group updates

Chair of the RCGP Rural Forum, June 2024

Dr Emma Watts is Chair of the RCGP Rural Forum. She is a dispensing doctor based in Shere, in the Surrey Hills. The practice covers an area of 50 square miles, with multiple villages, and a population of nearly 10,000 patients. Although geographically not far from London, the practice struggles with similar rural access problems to rural practices elsewhere in the UK. Emma is also an LMC Rep, sitting on the Surrey LMC.

Emma has been working as a rural GP for the past 18 years and is passionate about providing continuity of care and addressing rural inequity. She contributed to the Inquiry into the future of General Practice, which was led by Jeremy Hunt and published last year. The community gynaecology service run by the surgery was featured in the Rural proofing for Health Toolkit (Rural England) as an example of excellence.

Emma is hoping to stimulate more involvement in the Rural Forum for rural GPs. Given that rural patients make up 18% of the UK population, Emma would like to see the College rural proofing all of its policies and will work to increase the profile of rural GPs within the College.

Emma said the following about her role:

I volunteered for the role as Chair of the RCGP Rural Forum because I wanted to try to do my best to help rural GPs who experience the same problems as I do. I really want to ensure that College policy is rural-proofed, to protect rural patients from urban skew. I have found it really positive to form friendships with other rural colleagues who share my passion for rural healthcare, and I now feel I have a greater network of support. I have been surprised at the interest from urban colleagues who just want to know a little more about the differences between urban and rural general practice. Essentially, though we are all time-poor in general practice, I have really enjoyed connecting with others and would encourage other members to get involved.

Connect with us 

If you are interested in joining the Rural Forum or would like more information, please contact us at advocates@rcgp.org.uk, and we will connect you with the appropriate person.

The group is active on the RCGP members' forum, where you can engage in discussions, share knowledge, and stay updated on the latest developments and opportunities within the group. This forum serves as a valuable platform for continuous dialogue and collaboration among members. 

Resources 

WHO Reference Documents on Remote and Rural Retention Policy for Health Workers: