Predictions of GP Shortage

Jan 13, 2015, 02:14 PM

(Broadcast on BBC Radio Stoke, January 2015)

More medical students need to take up general practice - to help combat Staffordshire's shortage of family doctors.

The man who represents GPs in North Staffordshire says we're facing a ticking time-bomb - as patient demand continues to grow

He claims not boosting the workforce could increase waiting times - and pressure on existing doctors.

The government says it "Fully endorses a policy to train more GPs."

It takes an average of 10 years to train and costs the taxpayer almost half a million pounds, so who would want to be a GP?

Emma Thomas met 16-year-old Edson Twagirayezu (TWAG-EAR-RAY-ZOO) from Tunstall, who does...