Yorkshire GP surgeries struggling to cope with demand
Growing pressure on health services has led to a "state of unease" in the medical profession, a leading regulator has warned.
A new report by the General Medical Council (GMC) also found there was a "dangerous level of alienation" felt by doctors in training.
It comes as one GP practice in South Yorkshire has just two doctors serving 10,000 patients on its books. Staff at Northfield in Thorne have turned the practice around from its status as 'failing' to three years ago, to winning praise from the health watchdog.
But now they fear for their future after an NHS England document leaked to the media suggested that some "vulnerable" Yorkshire surgeries could be left to "wither by the system".
It said that Local Medical Committees do 'on the whole have a commitment and focus of quality', but added:
Northfield is based in a former mining community and has 10,000 patients on its books. Historically, it has struggled to attract new doctors, and Dr Uwhubetine says he and his colleagues are having to work 60-hour weeks to cope with demand. He added that NHS England promised extra funds - but so far haven't received a penny.
An NHS England spokesperson said:
Responding to today's report, a Department of Health spokesman said: