Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they have any plans to encourage retired general practitioners to work part-time for the NHS; and, if so, on what terms and conditions.

Health Education England’s Induction and Refresher (I&R) Scheme gives general practitioners (GPs) who have retired the opportunity to return to general practice. The scheme is also open to those who have taken a career break or spent time working abroad.

On 6 October 2016, NHS England set out the latest measures it is implementing to help general practice cope with increasing demand, boosting GP numbers and tackling burnout as part of the General Practice Forward View, a copy of which is attached. This includes increased financial support, increased practical support and making the process more flexible. For example, working to develop a national framework so that suitably qualified and experienced doctors can be added to the Medical Performers List without the need to complete the I&R process.

On completion of the I&R Scheme, GPs may take up a post as a salaried general practitioner. There are model terms and conditions of service for a salaried general practitioner, a copy of which is attached.