NHS scotland workforce statistics

Main Points  While the estimated headcount of GPs working in Scottish general practice has changed very little over time, the estimated Whole Time Equivalent (WTE) of GPs has been declining since 2013 (from 3,735 in 2013 to 3,575 in 2017; a decrease of over 4%).  The estimated WTE of registered nurses and Health Care Support Workers employed by general practice increased between 2013 and 2017, by 9% and 33% respectively.  Nearly a quarter (24%) of responding GP practices reported current GP vacancies, compared to 22% in 2015, and 9% in 2013. In contrast, only 6% of responding GP practices reported vacancies for registered nurses.  Over a third (36%) of GPs and more than half (55%) of nurses working in Scottish general practice are aged 50 years or over.  Within GP OoH services, 10% of the GPs worked 1,000 hours or more over the year and their total annual hours accounted for nearly half (46%) of the total GP hours worked.  All NHS Boards reported having to take actions due to being unable to fill GP OoH shifts as planned. The most common actions taken to fill shifts were for staff to work longer shifts and increased rates/financial incentives.