text: More than a third of GPs are considering retirement in the next five years, a survey shows. Another one in ten is thinking about moving abroad to countries including Canada and Australia, where the pay is higher and workload less stressful. A poll of 15,560 family doctors also found that one in six is considering going part-time and 7 per cent are contemplating quitting altogether. Choices: A poll of 15,560 family doctors found that one in six is considering going part-time and 7 per cent are contemplating quitting altogether (file picture) Senior GPs say they are facing ‘incredible’ pressures brought on by an increasingly ageing population who have complicated illnesses, as well as having to chase targets. Their morale is low despite the fact they benefited from a pay deal ten years ago that resulted in their salaries rising by 50 per cent, while allowing them to opt out of working during evenings and weekends. There is now a national recruitment crisis and many surgeries are short-staffed, with increasing numbers of GPs retiring or moving abroad. And they are not being replaced by younger trainees, who view the career as ‘second class’ compared to more prestigious roles as hospital doctors or surgeons. Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt last month described the situation as ‘worrying’ and pledged to alter targets and invest more in surgeries. The British Medical Association survey, which included GPs in their late 20s through to early 60s, found that 34 per cent were considering retiring within the next five years. 'Worrying': Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt (pictured) has pledged to alter targets and invest more in surgeries . And a fifth of the 780 trainee GPs included in the poll were already considering moving abroad. Dr Chaand Nagpaul, chairman of the BMA’s GP committee, said: ‘This poll lays bare the stark reality of the crisis facing the GP workforce. ‘It is clear that incredible pressures on GP services are at the heart of this problem, with escalating demand having far outstripped capacity. ‘GPs are overworked and intensely frustrated that they do not have enough time to spend with their patients, especially the increasing numbers of older people with multiple and complex problems.’ Last month, figures showed the number of GPs applying to work abroad had increased by 40 per cent in five years. The most popular destinations are Australia, New Zealand and Canada where they can earn the equivalent of £200,000 a year and have more of a work-life balance. GPs in England earn an average of £105,000 a year, and many take home considerably more. But they claim they often work 12-hour days or longer, and that ten-minute appointment slots are not sufficient to meet patients’ needs. Dr Maureen Baker, chairman of the Royal College of GPs, said the shortage of family doctors could have a ‘devastating impact’ on the future of the NHS.
target: One in ten thinking about moving to countries where the pay is higher .
  Poll of 15,560 family doctors finds 1 in 6 is considering going part-time .
  BMA survey also reveals 7% of GPs are contemplating quitting altogether .
  Benefited from pay deal ten years ago that saw salaries increase by 50% .