New figures published by the Department of Health and Social Care show that 1,503 additional General Practitioners (GPs) have been recruited in England since 1 October 2024.
The recruitment increase follows changes to GP hiring processes and additional funding provided to primary care networks.
The government says the recruitment drive is part of its wider “Plan for Change,” which aims to improve access to NHS services, reduce waiting times, and strengthen frontline care.
The new GPs are expected to increase appointment availability, ease pressure on existing staff, and support a shift in healthcare provision from hospitals to community settings.
Previously some practices had reported difficulty hiring newly qualified GPs due to employment restrictions and funding limitations. Reforms to the GP contract and the removal of hiring constraints, combined with an £82 million funding package, enabled practices to bring on new staff more easily. The additional funding has been extended beyond 2025, with the Budget committing to longer-term investment.
Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting said: “An increase in GP numbers is a key part of our approach to improve access and make the NHS more responsive to patient needs.”
Dr Amanda Doyle, NHS England’s National Director for Primary Care and Community Services, acknowledged the progress and highlighted the importance of continued recruitment: “General practice teams are delivering around 29 million appointments each month. This additional workforce will help practices continue to expand services and reduce pressure.”
The new recruitment numbers contribute to broader health service targets. According to official figures, over two million additional appointments have been delivered since July 2024, and NHS waiting lists have decreased by 193,000.
In addition to staffing changes, upcoming reforms will require GP surgeries to offer online appointment booking during working hours, starting in October 2025. The goal is to improve patient access and allow for more efficient triage processes. Patients will also be given more opportunities to see the same GP when preferred.
The GP recruitment announcement is part of a series of changes aimed at reforming general practice, with the government allocating an additional £889 million in funding for general practice in 2025–26. The measures are intended to improve patient experience, enhance continuity of care, and increase the overall resilience of NHS primary care services.
