Number of fully-qualified GPs in England has fallen by 1.5% over the past year

The number of fully-qualified GPs in England has fallen by 1.5% over the past year, but the headcount of nurses and non-clinical staff has increased in the same period, according to figures published by NHS Digital.  The NHS Digital quarterly report presents data about GPs, nurses, direct patient care and admin/non-clinical staff working in general practice in England, along with information on their patients and practices. Data shows that there is 441 less full-time equivalent GPs (28,697) in March 2019 than March 2018.  In the last quarter, the number of qualified permanent GPs (excluding registrars and locums) from abroad has also declined. There were