Over 1,500 new GPs have been recruited across England, exceeding the Government’s national target of 1,000 for the 2024/25 period.
As part of this increase, 11 newly qualified GPs have started working in Dorset, including 8 based in practices across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole.
Seven of the new GPs are supporting residents specifically within the Bournemouth West constituency.
The rise in GP numbers is intended to improve appointment availability and ease pressure on primary care services throughout the region.
Bournemouth West MP Jessica Toale welcomed the news, noting that local people have frequently faced delays when trying to access GP appointments.
National NHS data shows the additional GPs have supported the delivery of over 193,000 extra appointments in recent months.
The increase comes as part of a wider government strategy to expand access to healthcare in local communities and reduce reliance on centralised services.
The Government has also recorded six consecutive months of falling NHS waiting lists nationally, which it links in part to the rise in general practice capacity.
Local practices in the BCP area are expected to continue benefiting as the new GPs settle into their roles.