GPs have slashed their hours by more than ten per cent over the past decade, a study found.

Meanwhile NHS patient numbers are up and they have more illnesses, resulting in longer waiting times.

1

The poll found doctors worked an average of 26 hours a week in 2022, down from 30 in 2015.

It included part-time GPs but not overtime hours.

There was also a 2.7 per cent drop in appointment hours but patient lists went up nine per cent.

The number of people with long-term illnesses also rose 32 per cent.

READ MORE ON THE NHS

BED DREAD

NHS doctor shares 'brain shuffling' method to fall asleep 'in under five minutes'

SUMMER CRISIS

NHS waiting lists rise for third month in a row after ‘irresponsible’ strikes

Manchester University’s Dr Rosa Parisi told the British Journal of General Practice: “We fear GPs are unwilling or unable to face more intense day-to-day pressures.

"It is also down to early retirement, insufficient numbers of newly trained GPs and a lack of overseas recruitment.”

Male GPs were more likely to cut their hours.

Dr Parisi added: “Policies are desperately needed to incentivise them to work longer.”

Most read in Health

'TERRIFYING'

Girl, 4, left paralysed from camping trip due to critter feasting on her scalp

COGNITIVE CLUE

The early dementia clue that strikes 20 years before first signs say experts

HIGH ALERT

'Stay at home' warning over 'incredibly infectious' virus which shut down school

ANXIOUS MINDS

Number of adults battling anxiety is greater than before Covid

A separate poll said a third of people find it hard to contact a GP.

The Lib Dems say ten million this year have waited a month or more.