The National Health Service (NHS) is facing increasing scrutiny as both patients and general practitioners (GPs) voice concerns over a growing bureaucratic burden that is hindering effective care. Reports indicate GPs are dedicating a significant portion of their time to administrative tasks, leaving less time for direct patient interaction and contributing to longer wait times for appointments. This situation is prompting a search for solutions to streamline processes and improve the overall patient experience within the UK’s healthcare system.
The challenges within the NHS are multifaceted, with increasing demand coupled with complex administrative procedures creating what many describe as a “maze” for both doctors and those seeking medical attention. This isn’t simply a matter of inconvenience; it’s impacting the quality of care and potentially leading to preventable delays in diagnosis, and treatment. The strain on GPs is also contributing to a growing number of doctors considering options outside of the traditional NHS framework.
Analysis of Care Quality Commission (CQC) data reveals a sharp increase in doctors registering to practice independently of the NHS. In the five years leading up to the end of 2025, the CQC received 1,238 new registrations for “independent consulting doctors” in England, a 212% increase compared to the previous five-year period. Between 2024 and 2025 alone, new registrations rose by 58% [BBC]. This trend reflects a growing dissatisfaction among GPs with the pressures of the NHS system.
Dr. Yvonne Girgis-Hanna, a GP who divides her time between NHS and private patients, exemplifies this shift. She stated that working full-time within the NHS is unsustainable, describing days filled with 30 face-to-face appointments, numerous phone calls, and extensive paperwork, leaving little time even for basic personal needs [BBC]. This workload is a key driver behind the increasing number of GPs opting to supplement their NHS work with private practice or transition to fully private roles.
The Rise of Private GP Consultations
The move towards private healthcare isn’t limited to doctors; patients are also increasingly willing to pay for quicker access to care and potentially more personalized attention. A 2024 report by healthcare business-intelligence company LaingBuisson estimated that 13% of GP consultations were private, a significant increase from 3% two decades earlier [BBC]. Many private patients, according to reports, are older individuals seeking more dedicated appointment time.
The category of “independent consulting doctors” encompasses a broad range of specialties, extending beyond general practice to include areas like dermatology, women’s health, and aesthetic medicine. Although both the CQC and NHS England acknowledge the increase in independent practice, they currently lack a specific category to isolate private GP registrations.
Impact on NHS Capacity
The growing number of GPs working outside the NHS is exacerbating existing pressures on the system. A study published in the BMJ in September 2025 revealed that one in three GPs in England do not work for the NHS [The Guardian]. This equates to almost 20,000 doctors who are qualified but not actively providing care through the NHS, despite unprecedented demand. As of September 2025, there were 58,548 GPs on the General Medical Council (GMC) register, but only 38,626 were practicing within the NHS [The Guardian].
The Patients Association has expressed “deep distress” over these findings, highlighting the frustration patients experience when attempting to secure GP appointments [The Guardian]. Researchers attribute the increasing exodus of GPs to heavy workloads, rising patient demands, and a pervasive feeling of insufficient time to provide adequate care, leading to burnout.
Efforts to Improve Access
Recognizing the challenges patients face, NHS England has announced plans to guarantee same-day GP appointments for urgent needs [LBC]. These landmark changes to the NHS contract for surgeries aim to improve access to timely medical attention for those with pressing health concerns.
Though, the underlying issue of administrative burden remains a significant obstacle. GPs and patient advocacy groups are united in their call for systemic changes to streamline processes and reduce the amount of time doctors spend on paperwork, allowing them to focus on delivering quality patient care. Supporting GPs as they navigate the complexities of the NHS, and addressing the root causes of burnout, is crucial to ensuring a sustainable and effective healthcare system for the future.
The situation demands continued attention and collaborative efforts to address the challenges facing both GPs and patients. The long-term impact of these trends on the NHS will depend on the implementation of effective solutions and a commitment to prioritizing patient care.
What steps will NHS England take to further reduce administrative burdens on GPs? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
Disclaimer: This article provides informational content only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment of any medical condition.
