Primary Care continues to face major pressure in 2025, from GP shortages and rising patient demand to the challenge of improving access. At the same time, new initiatives are being introduced to support services and reshape how care is delivered in communities.
At Hunter Gatherer AHP, our Primary Care division works closely with GP practices and Primary Care Networks (PCNs), so we understand the challenges and opportunities first-hand. Here are the most important developments shaping Primary Care this year and what they mean for services and patients.
GP recruitment gains, but challenges remain
Scotland has seen a small rise in full-time equivalent GPs since 2024, but overall numbers remain lower than a decade ago. Across the UK, many GPs continue to face overwhelming workloads, with some reducing hours or leaving the profession altogether. The BMA has warned that while recent increases are welcome, they do not go far enough to secure long-term stability.
For practices, this means that demand for flexible, experienced GPs remains extremely high. Finding solutions to workforce gaps is vital to protect patient access and reduce pressure on remaining staff.
Tackling the 8 am scramble
From October 2025, GP practices in England will be required to offer online appointment booking throughout the working day. This is part of a government package that includes nearly £900 million in additional funding to general practice, alongside the removal of almost half of existing GP surgery targets.
The aim is simple: to reduce the daily rush for appointments and give patients more choice in how they access care. For practices, this creates opportunities but also additional challenges in managing systems, staff and demand effectively.
Incentives for deprived areas at risk
The Targeted Enhanced Recruitment Scheme (TERS) has offered a £20,000 incentive for trainee GPs willing to work in deprived areas. More than 2,000 doctors have taken up the scheme so far, helping to improve access where it is most needed.
However, there are concerns that funding for TERS could be cut from 2025 to 2026. If this happens, it risks worsening inequalities by making it harder to recruit and retain staff in underserved communities.
Neighbourhood-level care on the rise
From September 2025, NHS England is rolling out the National Neighbourhood Health Implementation Programme across 42 sites. This programme aims to move more services into community and neighbourhood settings, easing the strain on GP surgeries and hospitals while improving patient access to joined-up care.
For practices, this could mean greater collaboration across local teams and new opportunities to work differently. It also highlights the increasing importance of roles beyond GPs, including Practice Nurses, ANPs, NMPs, Phlebotomists and HCAs.
GP supply shortfall continues
According to the Health Foundation, England is already missing more than 4,000 full-time equivalent GPs, with the shortfall forecast to rise to almost 9,000 by 2030. This makes it clear that the GP workforce challenge will not be solved quickly and that a wider mix of Primary Care professionals will be essential in keeping services running.
Why this matters for Primary Care recruitment
The message is clear: Primary Care is changing, and the pressures on services will continue. Practices and PCNs will need to think differently about workforce planning, bringing together a mix of clinicians to meet demand.
At Hunter Gatherer AHP, we provide recruitment solutions across Primary Care roles including:
- General Practitioners (GPs)
- Practice Nurses
- Advanced Nurse Practitioners (ANPs)
- Non-Medical Prescribers (NMPs)
- Phlebotomists
- Healthcare Assistants (HCAs)
Whether you need locum support to ease immediate pressure or long-term workforce strategies, our team is here to help.
Speak to our Primary Care experts
If you are a GP, Nurse, ANP, NMP, Phlebotomist or HCA looking for your next role, or a Primary Care service needing reliable staffing solutions, we would love to hear from you.