Decline in GPs stalled

Media release

12 September 2009

Decline in GPs stalled

GP numbers have been bolstered with a record number of doctors completing their specialist training in general practice and receiving admission to fellowship of the Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners (RNZCGP) in 2009.

The college welcomed 41 GPs of over 160 admitted to fellowship in 2009 at its annual graduation ceremony as part of the college conference this week.

RNZCGP chief executive Karen Thomas said the record number of new specialist general practitioners was a strong sign the profession is bouncing back after a period of decline.

Doctors wishing to become specialists in general practice undertake a three-year, full-time training programme in addition to at least six years of undergraduate and two years of hospital training.

"New Zealanders can celebrate that successive governments' efforts to increase the number of doctors with specialist general practice training in this country are finally generating results," Ms Thomas said.

"However, it is still too early to rest on our laurels and continuing investment in the future GP workforce must remain a priority. This is especially important as our current GPs get older and closer to retirement, and the New Zealand population ages and puts increased burden on the health sector."

Ms Thomas said it was important government and the industry continued to encourage growth in the GP workforce.

Over 500 health professionals and industry delegates from around the country and overseas attended the RNZCGP conference which started on Wednesday in Wellington.

The 2009 conference marked 30 years since HRH Prince Phillip visited New Zealand to confer the Royal title on the college.

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