GPs returning to practice are being asked to work for free, reports BMA

Abstract

Some GPs who return to practice after a career break are not being paid a salary, whereas others receive pay as low as £50 a session, research by the BMA has found. The union’s unpublished survey of deaneries and health boards in the United Kingdom highlights the wide variation in provision and payment for GPs who want to return to work through the GP induction and refresher (I+R) scheme. The I+R scheme allows GPs who have been away from UK practice for two years or more to return safely and confidently to general practice. GPs on the scheme—most of whom have taken time out to work abroad or start a family—spend between three and six months working supervised in a training practice. Up until 2006, the I+R scheme in England was funded by the Department …