RCGP statement on new legislation on UK medical graduate prioritisation

Responding to new legislation on UK medical graduate prioritisation, being introduced as part of the UK Government’s Medical Training (Prioritisation) Bill, Professor Victoria Tzortziou-Brown, Chair of the Royal College of GPs, said:

“The College recognises the exceptional pressures currently facing medical specialty training, with record competition for a limited number of places at a time of growing demand for GP services. In this context, we understand why the Government is considering emergency legislation to introduce prioritisation for specialty training based on a defined set of factors, including graduation from a UK medical school. When competition for places reaches these high levels, it is reasonable to consider how public investment in medical education best supports a sustainable workforce for patients.

“However, it is also critical to recognise that international medical graduates (IMGs) make up over 50% of GP registrars and make vital contributions to the NHS. The College will continue to support all of our IMG registrars and members and highlight that resolutions to short term bottlenecks must be delivered in a fair manner which protects the highest standards for entry into GP training. In addition, once an international GP completes training in the UK, we believe that this should qualify them to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain in the UK rather than having to go through the process of finding a practice to sponsor their visa, which currently creates barriers to staying to work in general practice.

“Increasing the number of GP training places must be a key priority for the Government alongside any changes to allocation prioritisation. With the number of patients each GP is responsible for standing at approximately 2,236 –a figure which has increased by 15.4% since September 2015 - we urgently need to expand the number of fully qualified GPs. We need to see action to address barriers to expansion including a shortage of trainers and space in GP practices for trainees. We also need to ensure there are enough appropriate roles available in the NHS for newly qualified GPs, so our workforce sees the boost in numbers that our patients need.

“The College will continue to engage constructively with Government to support fair solutions that strengthen the GP workforce and improve access to care for patients.”

Further information

RCGP press office: 0203 188 7659
press@rcgp.org.uk

Notes to editors

The Royal College of General Practitioners is a network of more than 54,000 family doctors working to improve care for patients. We work to encourage and maintain the highest standards of general medical practice and act as the voice of GPs on education, training, research and clinical standards.