What’s Driving GPs to Leave the NHS?

More doctors in the UK are opting for private practice over NHS roles, significantly impacting how patients access healthcare. This growing trend, highlighted by a recent surge in registrations for independent consulting doctors, reflects increasing dissatisfaction with NHS pressures and rising demand for personalised care. With private GP consultations now comprising approximately 13% of all appointments, patients are often willing to pay for improved access and continuity of care.

Last updated: 17 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

The landscape of general practice in the UK is changing rapidly, with a notable shift towards private healthcare. According to a BBC analysis of Care Quality Commission (CQC) data, the number of doctors registering to work outside the NHS has increased significantly. This trend is driven by the rising pressures faced by NHS GPs, leading many to seek more manageable workloads and better working conditions in private practice. Patients are responding to this shift, as they increasingly choose to pay for consultations that offer quicker access and a more personalised experience.

Key takeaways

Over 1,200 new registrations for independent consulting doctors in five years, reflecting a 212% increase.
Private GP consultations now account for approximately 13% of all appointments, up from just 3% two decades ago.
Many patients prefer private appointments due to shorter waiting times and the ability to see the same doctor consistently.

Timeline: how we got here

The following timeline outlines key events leading to the current state of private practice among GPs in the UK:

2000: Private consultations account for only 3% of GP appointments.
2018–2023: NHS pressures escalate, leading to increasing dissatisfaction among GPs.
2023: CQC reports a 212% rise in registrations for independent consulting doctors, with 1,238 new registrations.
2024: A LaingBuisson report estimates that 13% of GP consultations are private.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

This week, discussions around the state of NHS general practice have intensified, with reports indicating that many GPs are moving towards private practice to alleviate burnout and improve work-life balance. The government has announced a £485 million uplift to the NHS GP contract, a significant decrease compared to the £2.5 billion requested by the British Medical Association (BMA).

What was already established

It has been well-documented that NHS GPs have faced increasing pressures due to high patient demands, limited time for appointments, and administrative burdens. Doctors like Dr Yvonne Girgis-Hanna have voiced concerns over the sustainability of working within the NHS framework, prompting many to consider private practice as a viable alternative.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

Patients are increasingly turning to private consultations as NHS waiting times grow. For many, this means paying upwards of £129 for a 20-minute appointment, a cost that some are willing to bear for quicker access to care. This shift raises questions about equity in healthcare access, as not all patients can afford private consultations.

Businesses and jobs

The expansion of private practice is impacting how healthcare professionals operate. With more GPs working independently, businesses that provide private healthcare are seeing growth, evidenced by the rise of companies like Cambridge Private Doctors. This trend may also affect the recruitment and retention of NHS staff, as many seek a better work-life balance through private work.

Policy and regulation

The NHS is responding to the rising trend of private consultations with regulatory changes aimed at improving access to care. However, the BMA argues that these measures are insufficient and call for more significant investment. The recent announcement of £292 million ring-fenced for GP practices aims to bolster recruitment but may not address the underlying issues driving GPs to private practice.

Numbers that matter

1,238: New registrations for independent consulting doctors in England over five years.
58%: Increase in new registrations from 2024 to 2025.
13%: Proportion of GP consultations that are private, up from 3% over the last two decades.
£120: Average budget per NHS patient annually, which some patients exceed with frequent visits.
6,229: Active NHS GP practices as of September 2025.

Definitions and jargon buster

CQC: Care Quality Commission, the independent regulator of health and social care in England.
BMA: British Medical Association, the trade union representing doctors in the UK.
NHS: National Health Service, the publicly funded healthcare system in the UK.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

Patients seeking quicker access to care may increasingly consider private consultations as NHS services continue to face delays. Monitoring local practices offering private services could be beneficial for those needing immediate attention.

Medium term (1–6 months)

As the NHS attempts to address staffing and funding issues, it will be essential to observe whether these measures impact the number of GPs moving to private practice. The effectiveness of new policies will be under scrutiny, especially with the imminent changes to GP contracts.

Signals to watch

Future announcements regarding NHS funding and resources.
Trends in patient wait times for NHS appointments.
Changes in the number of GP registrations for private practice.

Practical guidance

Do

Research local private practices to understand your options for quicker consultations.
Consider the long-term implications of switching to private care versus remaining with the NHS.
Stay informed about changes to NHS policies that may affect your access to care.

Don’t

Don’t overlook the potential costs associated with private consultations.
Don’t hesitate to ask your GP about their availability for private appointments.
Don’t ignore any feedback from peers about their experiences with private care.

Checklist

Assess your current health needs and determine if private care is appropriate.
Check the credentials and reviews of private practitioners in your area.
Evaluate your financial situation to ensure you can afford private consultations.
Keep track of any changes in your condition that may require urgent medical attention.
Stay updated on NHS developments that may affect your access to healthcare.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

While the trend towards private practice offers benefits such as shorter wait times and greater continuity of care, it also raises concerns about equity in healthcare access. Patients who cannot afford private care may face worsening health outcomes due to delayed treatment. Additionally, the sustainability of private practices relies on sufficient demand, which could be affected by future economic conditions or changes in patient preferences.

Bottom line

The migration of GPs to private practice underscores significant challenges within the NHS, primarily related to workload and patient access. For patients willing to pay, private consultations can offer a more personalised and timely healthcare experience. However, this trend also highlights the need for comprehensive reforms within the NHS to ensure equitable access to care for all.

FAQs

Why are more GPs moving to private practice?

Many GPs are drawn to private practice due to the increasing pressures within the NHS, including high patient demand and administrative burdens. This shift allows them to achieve a better work-life balance.

How much do private GP consultations cost?

Private GP consultations typically start at around £129 for a 20-minute appointment, with costs increasing for longer consultations.

What impact does private practice have on NHS services?

The rise of private practice may exacerbate existing challenges within the NHS, as more doctors leaving for private roles could lead to increased wait times and reduced access to care for patients reliant on the NHS.