How much does a GP earn? NHS UK salary explained
GENERAL PRACTITIONERS are the cornerstone of many communities, providing advice and treatments for a variety of illnesses and injuries.
Though many people have become accustomed to seeking help from their GP, some may be curious about how much their local doctors can earn.
How much does a GP earn in the UK?
In the UK there are two contractual options for GPs - independent contractors and salaried GPs.
Independent contractors are in charge of running their own practices or in partnerships.
They have autonomy in how services are delivered, according to their contract with the Clinical Commissioning Group.
It is very difficult to pinpoint how much money GP partners take home, as they effectively manage their own businesses.
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They receive a share of profits in the business, so earnings are dependent on business performance.
GP partners can, therefore, earn very high salaries when, and if, their practices perform especially well.
Salaried GPs, meanwhile, are employees of independent contractor practices or directly employed by primary care organisations.
According to the NHS, the pay for salaried GPs in England ranges from £65,070 to £98,194.
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In Wales, it can fluctuate between £66,674 and £100,611, while in Scotland the range starts at £66,030 and is capped at £98,555.
In Northern Island, salaried GPS can earn between £66,013 and £99,615.
Salaried GPs receive additional benefits such as sick pay, holiday and maternity pay, while partner GPs won't receive these.
Partner GPs are responsible for paying their own taxes.
How to book a GP appointment
In the UK, access to a GP is free but it is usually necessary to make an appointment ahead of time.
You can contact your local GP surgery by phone or in person by going into the surgery and talking to the receptionist.
If you're registered with a GP surgery, you can access some health services online or use the NHS app to book, check or cancel appointments with a GP, nurse, or other healthcare professional.
In cases of urgency, it is always recommended to call your GP surgery to book an appointment.
Nearly five million patients a month in England wait more than a fortnight for a GP appointment.
In June 2023 it was reported that, under new potential plans, 1.5 million people in London could be automatically diverted to NHS 111 while trying to book a GP appointment during busy times of the day.
Meanwhile, ministers want to end the "8am scramble" where people are forced to phone their practice first thing if they hope to see a doctor.
An average surgery reception is inundated with 100 calls in the first hour on a Monday.
Health Secretary Steve Barclay announced £240million of funding in May 2023 for centres to replace old phones that leave patients despairing at engaged tones.
They will be upgraded to either keep callers in a queue or to provide a call-back feature to arrange a slot.
What does GP stand for?
GP is an abbreviation for general practitioner.
According to , GPs treat all common medical conditions and refer patients to hospitals and other medical services for urgent and specialist treatment.
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General practitioners provide continuing medical care for patients in the community and are usually a patient's first point of contact,
GPs can see patients in a surgery, at their home or within other settings such as care homes.