The Liberal Democrats have warned of a GP “retirement time bomb” after research by the party suggested one in five family doctors could be nearing the end of their career.

Some 8,000 members – or 22% – of the current fully qualified workforce are over 55 and 10% are 60 or over, according to party analysis of NHS figures.

Polling conducted last year by Pulse Today, an industry publication, showed around half – 47% – of GPs intended to retire at around 60.

GP surgery stock
The Lib Dems have voiced concern over the figures (PA)

It comes ahead of the release of the Government’s long-promised NHS workforce plan later this week.

The Lib Dems have said the figures show the plan must include clear proposals to address GP retention and recruitment issues.

Lib Dem deputy leader Daisy Cooper MP said: “Communities are facing a GP retirement time bomb that would make it even harder to get an appointment when you need one.

“GPs on the front line do an incredible job looking after their patients, but increasingly many are choosing to leave or retire early because of unmanageable workloads. It is creating a vicious cycle, with patients struggling to get an appointment while GPs are under more pressure than ever.

General Election 2019
Daisy Cooper said the level of GPs closing in on retirement could create a vicious cycle over appointments (PA)

“This week’s plans from the Government need to include a clear plan to finally recruit the extra GPs the country needs, without cutting corners, downgrading care or risking patient safety.

“That should include listening to Liberal Democrat plans to boost the number of GPs so that everyone can get a GP appointment within a week or within 24 hours if in urgent need.

“People are fed up with this Conservative government failing to deliver on the basics and driving local health services into the ground.”

A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson said: “There are more than 1,900 additional doctors in general practice compared to 2019, record numbers in training and we have made changes to pensions that incentivise our most experienced GPs to remain in general practice.

“We’ve delivered on our commitment to recruit 26,000 more primary care staff – such as pharmacists and paramedics, who work alongside doctors and nurses delivering direct patient care – a year early and our upcoming workforce plan which will help recruit and retain even more staff.

“We have already published a Primary Care Recovery Plan which includes support to help cut waiting lists, cut bureaucracy and give practice teams more time to focus on their patients’ clinical needs.”