Cogora’s GP Workforce White Paper unveiled at the House of Commons

The launch of Cogora’s seminal white paper on general practice workforce took place in the House of Commons on Thursday 23 January, and was attended by some of the biggest names in general practice, nursing, pharmacy and practice management, as well as a host of MPs, including members of the health select committee.

Around 50 delegates across primary care packed into the Jubilee Room in Westminster to hear speeches from Dr Simon Opher, the MP for Stroud who is also a practising GP and Jaimie Kaffash, editor in chief of Pulse and the report’s author.

GP Dr Rachel Warrington, a former GP partner from Bristol who now works as a locum in North Wales, told the packed room that she was the perfect example of a GP lost to general practice in England.

For the white paper, Cogora’s team of journalists analysed 250 pieces of data on every GP practice in England, surveying over 2,300 primary care professionals and interviewing around 150 healthcare workers.

It found that there is GP unemployment at the same time practices are struggling to recruit GPs, which is the result of underfunding, unsuitable premises and a broken funding system. The report sets out detailed recommendations of what the Government needs to do to address the crisis. Read the full white paper here.

Mr Kaffash told the attendees: “At the heart of the issue is core funding. The profession needs to see real-terms increase in funding for general practice, to expanding practices and encouraging training in the profession.’

Among the attendees were 16 MPs, including three members of the influential Health and Social Care Committee.

Dr Opher told the room: “As the Government, we must place a priority focus on general practice as the backbone of our NHS... I am committed to continue working with our Government to ensure we can address the gaps within general practice to ensure the profession is fit for the future.”

Also in attendance were: Dr Katie Bramall-Stainer, chair of the BMA’s GP Committee England and the two deputies, Dr Samira Anane and Dr David Wrigley; the chair of the Royal College of GPs, Professor Kamila Hawthorne, and vice-chair Dr Victoria Tzortziou-Brown; Dr Ruth Rankine, NHS Confederation director of primary care; Kim Ball and Claire Sutton, the Royal College of Nursing’s primary care lead and head of independent health and social care sector respectively; Gisela Abbam, chair of the General Pharmaceutical Council; Kay Keane and Ali Daff, director and business manager of the Institute of General Practice Management respectively; and Dr Lizzie Toberty and Dr Steve Taylor, GP spokespersons for Doctors Association UK.

The event was launched in conjunction with campaign group Rebuild General Practice.

Cogora’s Director of Content and Editorial, Gemma Collins said: “It was fantastic to bring together so many MPs and representatives from the biggest healthcare professional groups in primary care for the launch of our seminal white paper.

“It was a chance for us to showcase the insight that Cogora has of primary care and how we can use that insight and knowledge to help campaign on behalf of our audiences to bring real change to the NHS.” 

Dr Katie Bramall-Stainer, chair, BMA GP Committee England

'This report is so very welcome, well written and well timed. It thoroughly outlines one of the most significant challenges we face in ensuring that general practice meets the needs of our patients, both now and in the future. The valuable data and crystal clear narrative pin down exactly how and why the workforce issues have now reached a critical stage, and the depth of this analysis should guide Government to find the necessary solutions.

It was my absolute pleasure to participate in the launch and engage in discussions with MPs and other healthcare leaders. My compliments to the team on such a necessary and effective event. I passed several hard copies across the negotiating table that very afternoon to colleagues at NHSE and DHSC.'

Dr Victoria Tzortziou Brown, vice chair, Royal College of GPs

‘This white paper, launched in Parliament, offers a comprehensive and timely analysis of the challenges facing general practice healthcare professionals in the UK. The launch provided a platform for rich discussions about the urgent need for improvements in recruitment, retention, and overall support for general practice staff. With its data-driven insights and practical recommendations, the report not only sparks meaningful dialogue but also sets a clear roadmap for addressing these pressing issues, ensuring that the future of primary care is both resilient and sustainable.’

Dr Ruth Rankine, director of primary care, NHS Confederation

‘This report has captured both the challenges that are facing the primary care as well as the opportunities to support a thriving workforce that is committed to serving the needs of its communities and to create the conditions that support the workforce to flourish.

‘The range of stakeholders at the event as well as the parliamentary support for the work is testament to how pressing the need for change is to the Government’s commitment to deliver care closer to home through a neighbourhood health service which has general practice at its heart.’

Dr Steve Taylor, GP spokesperson, Doctors Association UK

‘The event was a vital networking opportunity and showed the importance with which Pulse is held within the GP community. To have leaders from across the GP community all in the same room with MPs was exceptional. 

‘The report itself is detailed and comprehensive, highlighting the issues within primary care. As a clear example of how detailed analysis is required for planning and implementation. The report provides an opportunity for those in leadership roles to explore opportunities for change by understanding the current situation.’

Commercial partners of this white paper:

Howden are specialists in providing tailored insurance solutions to the health and care sector.

Howden’s Divisional Director of Primary Care, Ian Smith said, 'As a business that insures many thousands of individuals in the healthcare sector, we are reminded daily of the incredible work undertaken in the most difficult of circumstances. Outside of our core insurance activities, it is important for us to be contributing in other ways to help find solutions to the current crisis. The extensive analysis undertaken by Cogora further highlights key issues and challenges, but importantly offers pragmatic improvement pathways, and as such we are delighted to be able to act as sponsors of this important White Paper.'

X-on Health is the UK’s leading GP telephony provider serving over 3,500 practices; with 20+ years of expertise and a growing portfolio of digital technology solutions, they are on a mission to eliminate the 8am rush and transform patient access.

Cogora will be producing more of these heavyweight reports throughout 2025, using our knowledge of primary care data and unparalleled access to professionals within the sector. For more information on these reports and sponsorship opportunities, please contact Jaimie Kaffash [email protected].  

Photos. Clockwise. 1. Dr Katie Bramall-Stainer, chair, BMA GP Committee England, Dr Victoria Tzortziou-Brown, vice-chair, RCGP, Jaimie Kaffash, Editor in Chief of Pulse and Sofia Lind, Editor, Pulse. 2. GP and MP for Stroud, Dr Simon Topher, addressing the delegates. 3. Professor Kamila Hawthorne, chair, RCGP and Dr Carter Singh, Rebuild General Practice. 4. GP leaders including (from left to right): Dr Rachel Warrington, Rebuild General Practice, Dr Steve Taylor, Doctors Association UK GP spokesperson, Dr Victoria Tzortziou-Brown, vice-chair, RCGP, Dr Carter Singh, Rebuild General Practice, Dr Rob Barnett, Rebuild General Practice, secretary, Liverpool LMC, Dr Lisa Harrod Rothwell, deputy chief executive, Londonwide LMCs, Dr Katie Bramall-Stainer, chair, BMA GP Committee England, Dr James Booth, medical director, Cambridge LMC, Dr Simon Topher, GP and MP for Stroud, Professor Kamila Hawthorne, chair, RCGP, Dr Euan Strachan-Orr, Rebuild General Practice, Dr David Wrigley, deputy chair, BMA GP Committee England, and Dr Samira Anane, deputy chair, BMA GP Committee England.